Moisture intrusion is one of the greatest threats to a home, especially during seasons of heavy or prolonged rainfall. When rainwater is not properly managed, it can lead to damage that may be costly to repair.

A possible “Super El Niño” has been getting a lot of attention in the news, raising questions about what it could mean for different areas of the country. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that can shift weather conditions and increase the chance of wetter-than-normal periods in some regions.

While the exact impacts are still uncertain, it is a good reminder to prepare your home for heavy or prolonged rainfall.

Here are some areas of focus:

1. Clean and Inspect Your Gutters

When gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, or other debris, water can overflow near exterior walls and the foundation. In colder conditions, poor drainage may also contribute to ice buildup along the roof.

Clean the gutters before the storm season and check that:

  • Water can move freely toward each downspout.
  • Gutter sections are securely attached and properly aligned.
  • Seams, end caps, and connections are not leaking.
  • Downspout openings are clear.

Regularly maintaining gutters, downspouts and splash blocks helps roof runoff flow away from the home rather than collecting near it.

2. Direct Downspouts Away from the Foundation

A functioning gutter system is only effective if it releases water in the right place. A downspout that empties beside the house concentrates roof runoff near the foundation, where it may saturate the surrounding soil and find its way into a basement, crawl space or other vulnerable area.

Install downspout extensions or splash blocks where needed to carry water away from the house. Check the discharge point to make sure water will continue moving away instead of returning toward the foundation or collecting in a nearby low spot.

3. Protect Basement Window Wells

Window wells can collect water during prolonged or intense rainfall. If the water cannot drain adequately, it may rise against the window and enter the basement.

Install properly fitted window-well covers to limit the amount of rainwater and debris entering the wells. The covers should remain securely attached while still allowing occupants to use an emergency-egress window as intended.

Periodically look inside each well for accumulated leaves, sediment or other material that could interfere with drainage. If water repeatedly collects in a window well, the condition may indicate a larger drainage problem that should be evaluated.

4. Check the Slope Around Your Home

The ground surrounding a house should generally slope away from the foundation. When the grade is flat, uneven or pitched toward the home, stormwater can collect against the foundation instead of flowing away.

Walk around the property and look for:

  • Depressions or low areas beside the foundation.
  • Soil that has settled beneath downspouts.
  • Landscaping that directs water toward the house.
  • Areas where water remains after a storm.
  • Erosion that may have changed the original drainage pattern.

A qualified professional can evaluate the site if the slope is difficult to determine or if water continues to collect near the foundation.

5. Test and Maintain the Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, do not wait for a major storm to find out whether it works.

Heavy rain can saturate the soil and allow groundwater to enter a basement through the sump pit. A functioning sump pump collects that water and discharges it away from the home.

Before the wet season:

  • Inspect the pit for debris.
  • Check the pump and discharge piping.
  • Confirm that the discharge point carries water away from the foundation.
  • Pour a bucket of water into the pit to verify that the pump activates.
  • Review the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
  • Consider whether backup power is appropriate for the property.

6. Inspect the Roof and Exterior Openings

Because heavy rain can expose small weaknesses, visually inspect the roof and exterior before the storm season. From the ground, look for missing or damaged roofing materials, loose flashing, deteriorated sealant and areas where water may not drain properly.

Check exterior doors, windows, wall penetrations and utility openings for damaged or missing sealant. Inside the attic, look for staining, damp insulation or other evidence of previous roof leakage.

Prepare Before the Rain Begins

The most effective time to address a drainage or moisture problem is before water enters the home. Start with the systems that control runoff: the roof, gutters, downspouts, grading, window wells and sump pump. Then observe the property during ordinary rainfall to identify areas that may become more serious during an extended storm.

If water repeatedly collects near the foundation, enters the home or causes visible deterioration, the issue may require more than routine maintenance. An engineering evaluation can help determine where the water is coming from, how it is moving through the property and which corrective measures are appropriate.