Top 10 Wet Weather Home Maintenance Projects

It's April and I've got rain on the brain. How about you? I suppose we all could just stare out the window and long for those pretty spring blooms and warm sunny days of May, but here are some other things we can do when it's raining.

10 Things To Do Around the House When It's Raining

1. Watch and Learn—Check the state of your gutters by safely observing their function during a steady rain. Are the gutters properly connected and functioning? When water leaves the downspouts, where does it go? Check  to see that the grade is directed away from the foundation, properly sending water away from the home...More about the Watch and Learn Technique.

2. Look for Leaks—A rainy day is a great time to look for leaks and areas where your home needs protection from water penetration. Look for water drips or water stains in the attic. If you locate a water drop, trace it to its source. Also, look carefully to be sure you cannot see daylight anywhere through your roof. Repair as necessary.
3. Fix Drips—The only droplets you should hear today are outside your home. Check faucets and valves for drips or leaks. Replace washers in dripping faucets and address other leaks as necessary.
4. Address Indoor Safety—Too damp to work safely outside? Turn your attention to keeping the interior of your home safe and secure. Test smoke detectors, alarms and carbon monoxide meters for proper function and replace batteries.
5. Clean Dryer Vents—Did you know that fires can occur when lint builds up in a dryer or in the exhaust duct? Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. So, clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up, and disconnect the duct to remove any build-up. Be sure to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again!
6. Check Grout and Caulk—One way to extend the life of your bathroom is to regularly check tile joints, tub grout and caulking. Replace and repair the areas as necessary. Consider replacing old caulk with mildew resistant caulk.
7. Get Organized—Locate all appliance manuals, review the warranties and note the suggested maintenance. Take the day to address some of those items or to come up with a maintenance schedule to take care of things throughout the year.
8. Take Inventory—In the event of a fire or other disaster, an itemized list of your valuable belongings will be vital. Try inventory software. It makes it easy to update your list over time and many will
   allow you to store your information online for safe keeping.
9. Create a Home Maintenance Schedule—Above are just a few of the home maintenance tasks you can do in your home. Use U.S. Inspect's Home Maintenance Checklist as a guide to plan out a schedule for the whole year—rainy days and sunny days alike. Doing a little bit at a time, makes the job easier and ensures that everything gets addressed as necessary.
10. Relax—After all, isn't that enough work for one day!! I don't know about you, but I'm a mom and sometimes a rainy day is simply a great excuse to lay back, curl up with those you love, and just enjoy your cozy home! Now that everything is in tip-top condition, relax. You deserve it.