Don't let the rain play with spoilsport this season-I've put down a list of must do things so that you have a clean, monsoon-friendly home.
The monsoons always generate mixed feelings. While some embrace this wet weather, others can't wait for it to pass. If one of the reasons you feel the latter way is because of the rains' impact on your home, look on your home, look no further. I've prepared a check list of 12 basic pointers to help you combat the rains. Read on to know more...
1. Make sure your walls and roofs do not have leaks:
Test the terrace floors and roof in order to check for any seepage, and attend to these as soon as possible. After primary repairs are completed, seal any cracks in the terrace floor by applying a water-resistant coating. You should replace all the missing or loose tiles to avoid roof floor leaks. If any garbage cause blockage in the mouth of rainwater pipes, it should be repaired and cleaned properly so that water flows down unobstructed from the terrace or roof . Check the roofs undersides for any condensation of water and repair any seepage in base walls of your house to avoid damage to décor items.
2. Get rid of dampness by installing ventilators:
Fix ventilators in elevated moist vicinities of the residence like lofts in order to prevent from dampness. This way, you control dampness and also safeguard the healthy living of your family members. You should check for the sufficient cross-ventilation before the rains come.
3. Ensure that electrical fittings are dry and insulated:
Cover exterior electrical switches properly to prevent rainwater from getting into these sensitive points. Also, make sure you fix water leakage in electrical areas to eliminate chances of electric shocks. Replace broken electrical wires immediately.
4. Eliminate termite infestation:
It's a biggest problem in areas that have extreme moisture or water leakage. Rainwater creates humidity, so check all likely, moist sites to find termites. If you like wooden furniture, use termite-resistant wood like cedar and redwood. Another interesting way to combat termites is to fill all gaps with sand, as termites cannot tunnel through sand.
5. Get rugs and carpets cleaned regularly:
Carpets become soggy and emit a stale odour during rains. Make it a point to vacuum them regularly (even a good sweep down will work), as it'll remove moisture and dirt. Ideally, you should roll the rugs and wrap them in sheets made of polythene throughout the monsoons to safeguard from insect infestation and dampness.
6. Drawers, Desk and wooden cupboards to be protected:
The moisture from rainwater can affect your drawers and cabinets and inevitably harm the items inside. One effective way of protecting clothings and other precious items, is to keep in closets few balls of camphor. Alternatively, you can even place leaves of neem in cabinets as they also shield furniture and clothes frequent pest throughout monsoons.
7. Safeguard wooden floors from dampness and moisture:
Rainfall can spoil the form and look of wooden flooring. Ensure that it is thoroughly polished and waxed to save it from humidity, as the water particles or moisture present in wooden floors cause warping in them.
8. Ensure your house is regularly aired:
Regular home cleaning can prevent excess humidity. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners are fine choice to lower moisture levels within your home. Try and expose your rugs and upholstery, to daylight in order to guard them from humidity.
9. Keep the outdoors clean:
Any area of your house that is even slightly exposed to the rains demands extra attention. Be vigilant about your windowsills and balconies, since these are the spaces though which rain water enters your hose. Install durable, weatherproof glass panels for window shutters instead of the wooden variety. When it comes to your garden and terrace, make sure that the drainage pipes are unclogged, by getting rid of any dead leaves and rubbish that may have collected.
10. Clean rain gutters:
Make sure the rain gutters in your homes are clean to guard the foundation of the basement and even the roof. If the gutters are not clear of leaves and any trash, drain outlets will be blocked and rainwater will flood the area.
11. Avoid doing renovations during monsoons:
It's advisable to any renewals jobs such as waterproofing, painting walls, etc. after or before the rains. If you have any urgent requirements during the rains, get some professionals hired in order to help you to fix them. It is strongly recommended that you undertake a decoration project only after basic renovations are completed.
12. Maintain your plants:
During the monsoons, trees and bushes flourish well. But it is best to keep delicate potted plants-particularly the flowering variety-indoors,if possible. If space is an issue, then simply try and attach a sheet of tarpaulin in the balcony. Alternatively, a tin roof would be a long-term and more aesthetic solution to protecting your greens.
No comments:
Post a Comment