Rainy season is here again and though the sun is still scorching outside, we should already anticipate the heavy rains that will start to come in this month. You already have your umbrella and rain boots as preparation for the season, but are you really as prepared as you should be? What about your condo unit, is it ready to withstand the downpours and floods that are just normal occurrences this time of the year? You may have the advantage of living above ground, but the surrounding areas of your condo unit should also be a concern as well since these can bring inconvenience to you when destroyed by rain.
It’s important to know the condo lifehacks for rainy season in order to thrive during these difficult times. Here’s a practical checklist of the things to consider on rainy days and what you should do to make your condo unit safe and sound for the rainy season.
1. Apply waterproof coating on common areas
You use the common areas of your condo building so you should be vigilant about its maintenance. Take note of the condition of the stairs, walkways, decks, planters, stucco sidings, and other wood surfaces for leaks. If you think it’s not in tip-top shape, inform the building administrator about it. Inform them that maybe it’s time to apply waterproofing sealant to these areas, if they haven’t done it already.
2. Check the roof for leaks
If your unit is in the middle of the building, this can be less of a concern to you, but if you’re living in the upper floors this is something you should address. Your building administrator can have the roofs and flashings checked for rain-related damages to prevent further leaks. Valley flashings and edge metals are particularly sensitive to leaks.
3. Have the rain gutters cleaned
Maintenance of rain gutters is also a responsibility of the condo association so make good use of the extra fees you shell out every month and call their attention to it. The board of directors should be advised that the rain gutters should be free of leaves and debris even before the onset of heavy rains. Make use of the association newsletter to make your concern public.
4. Check your doors and windows for gaps
Make sure your doors and windows close all the way. Gaps allow water to enter the house and cause leaks. This should be a concern especially if you live on the higher floors. Look carefully around doors and windows to see if there are water intrusions. While you’re at it, check your drywall for cracks and stains, too.
5. Spot cracks and potholes on the asphalt floor
This is already outside your condo building, so why should this matter to you, you may ask. Well, cracks and potholes can be dangerous during floods and unless you’re 100% sure no flood will ever come to your area, this is something you should be concerned about as a responsible resident. You don’t want your car to get damaged by these cracks and potholes when you’re driving through the flood.
6. Have water levels lowered in the condo pool
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
You don’t want water levels to rise during continuous rains and risk flooding the building. Remind building maintenance to drain or at least lower the water levels in the pool and jacuzzi before storms. This is a good time to clean the pool and the drains as well. For extra safety, pool furniture such as umbrellas, chairs, tables, trash cans, and awnings should be cleared from the pool area before heavy winds settle on the city.
7. Check the landscape
If your condo building is surrounded by lots of trees and bushes, it can cause problems when heavy rains and strong winds envelope the property. This is both a safety and aesthetic issue so have the administrator trim the foliage before the rains come in. They can also work on adjusting irrigation water cycles to maintain low ground saturation.
8. Secure slopes and other slide areas
Eliminate or at least lessen the chances of flooding and accidents by putting plastic and sandbags in all the community slopes and other slide areas. This is something you can suggest in the association newsletter since this is a concern for everyone.
9. Get to know the electrical system in your unit
You should know where the fuse box is so you can easily switch off the electricity when the need arises. You may not get flooded in the upper floors but the building administrator may decide to have the power switched off when the lower parts of the property gets filled up with water.
10. Stock up on emergency essentials
It’s best to be prepared when emergency or disaster strikes. When it’s impossible to venture outside, you should at least have enough food supply to last you for days. When the power is off, you should have your flashlight and rechargeable gadgets on standby. When you get the sniffles and you’re stuck inside your condo for the time being, it’s best to have enough medicine to tide you over. You should be able to survive nicely while you’re cooped up in your condo this rainy season well until the sun rises up and the floods disappear.
Remember to be vigilant about your safety and comfort for the tough weather conditions ahead. Always brush up on tips on how to prepare your condo for rainy days to avoid unforeseen hassles.
