The sound of rain is unmistakable as it bounces off your rooftop. But before you welcome the season with a simmering cup of tea and a mouth-watering plate of pakoras, take effective measures to protect your home and its décor from the monsoon. The first spell of rain ushers in the magic of monsoon but it can mess up your home if you’re not careful. Here are a few tips that can come in handy to help you enjoy your evenings a little better during monsoons.
Waterproof Walls & Windows
As soon as summer is over, do a round around the house and check for any cracks in the walls. Grab a ladder and go over every little detail of your ceiling before the rain starts to pour. Water can easily seep through the ceiling and ruin furniture like your beds and sofa sets. You can use lacquer or white cement and seal any cracks in the walls and ceilings to avoid damaging your home interiors. Your water worries don’t end there. Water can sometimes enter through your windows even though they are shut. If you notice this happening, you can insulate the windows with a rubber lining to stop the rain from leaking into your home.
Avoid Flooding the Floor
Wooden flooring needs extra care during monsoons due to high moisture levels in the atmosphere. Do not polish the floor with varnish as the moisture will prevent it from drying. You can wipe the floor with a dry cloth and spread silica gel across the floor to avoid any swelling in the wood. Camphor and naphthalene balls are excellent moisture absorbers as well. Expensive carpets and rugs are also important aspects of interior décor. Roll them up and replace them with quick-drying mats to avoid ruining them.
Check Electrical Fittings
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and any wiring exposed to rain can prove to be fatal. Unattended wires and uninsulated cords need to be covered immediately to prevent short-circuiting your power supply during monsoons. You can wear rubber slippers while operating electrical switches as a precaution. You can also install voltage regulators and trip switches to ensure you have an uninterrupted supply of electricity. Having a few candles at an arm’s reach, in case of an outage, isn’t a bad idea either.
Beware of Bugs
During the monsoons, wooden furniture not only has to deal with changes in temperature and humidity but also with various pests. Termites and wood borers may flock inside and turn your beds and bookshelves into a new dwelling. Scan your belongings for any mold or mildew before the bugs bite into the wood. Installing a mesh around your windows can also keep the bugs at bay during downpours.
Monsoons are harsh on your interiors. Make sure your beds, benches and consoles are at least six inches away from nearby walls to prevent any damage. Follow these simple guidelines and your home should be ready for the rains before it becomes unmanageable. That way you won’t have to worry about your furniture while you enjoy the rains with that hot cup of chai.
