6 Things You Can Do to Prepare for the Next Monsoon Season

Monsoon season is supposed to be over – it runs from the middle of July to the end of September – but we’re still getting significant amounts of rain. While we’re unlikely to have any big storms between now and next summer, it reminded us that now is the perfect time to monsoon-prep your home for 2019. Here’s a quick list.

6 Things You Can Do to Prepare for the Next Monsoon Season

We’re heading into winter, and we won’t have to deal with monsoon season for several more months. But you can tackle this list of seven things to prepare your home for the next monsoon season right now:

Clean your gutters
Make sure your yard is graded properly
Waterproof your entryways
Prune your trees
Get rid of yard debris
Stock up on tie-downs for yard furniture

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters should direct water flow away from your home so it doesn’t seep under the foundation. If your gutters are clogged with dirt, leaves or twigs – or anything else, for that matter – they’re not going to work properly. They could even cause water to clog and damage the fascia on your roof. You can check them yourself or have a pro come out… but it needs to be done before the next monsoon season hits.

Make Sure Your Yard is Graded Properly

If your property slopes down, toward your home, you’ll need to call in the pros. Water can seep into the ground beneath your foundation, which can then crack. That’s a huge (and costly) fix, so it’s best to avoid the possibility altogether. You might even be able to build a small retaining wall around your home to redirect water, but it’s best to consult with an expert.

Waterproof Your Entryways

Doors and windows need to be waterproofed. Check the weather stripping on your doors and windows, which doesn’t last long in desert conditions, and replace it as necessary. You might also consider sealing your floors.

Prune Your Trees

Any tree that’s not properly pruned can cause serious damage to your home. The branches need to be thinned, and an expert should see how weighted each is at the end – if there are heavy branches, they probably need to be removed. If those branches snap, they can cause serious damage to your home (or anything else in their path). Big trees are more likely to fall on your home than small, thin ones are, so it may be time to get rid of them now.

Get Rid of Yard Debris

When you have vegetation or yard debris that isn’t part of your landscaping, it’s got to go – that’s because desert creatures try to find shelter in it during monsoons. It’s not just pack rats and chipmunks, either; it can be rattlers, scorpions and other undesirables.

Stock Up On Tie-Downs for Yard Furniture

Now’s the right time to buy tie-downs for your lawn furniture, including patio grills, tables and chairs. When there’s a wind or flood advisory, get out there and tie everything down – or, if possible, put it in your garage to keep it even safer.