McCrystal Insurance Brokers Issue 5 | Page 28

Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Rainy Season With the storm season upon us, make sure that your home is prepped and secured for the rains and storms up ahead Check and Secure the Roof and Gutters The roof is the part of your home that works heavily in protecting you from the elements. Coincidentally, it is also the costliest to repair. Since the roof is not regularly visited, it is important to give it a bi-yearly professional check-up to catch problems early and address them before they become bigger and more expensive. Keep in mind that this includes evaluating the ceiling from the inside as well. Clean your roof gutters and ensure that they are structurally sound. They can get clogged with leaves and other debris, which can lead to overflowing and pooling of water that weigh down on the roof. Eventually some of this water will seep into the walls of the home. If not addressed early, this can lead to your property being damaged or degraded, and may even promote mould growth on your walls that can be toxic to people and pets.