7 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Heavy Rain

As the snow melts and the ground begins to thaw, Manitoba homeowners know what's coming next—spring rainstorms. After a long winter, your home may not be fully ready to handle that first big downpour. Now’s the time to give your home some post-thaw TLC to prevent flooding, water damage, and expensive repairs.

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare your home for spring rain.

1. Clear Out Your Gutters and Downspouts

Ice, leaves, and twigs can clog up your gutters over winter. When rain hits, clogged gutters cause water to spill over the sides, pooling near your foundation.

• Clean all gutters and downspouts.

• Check for sagging or loose fasteners.

• Make sure water is directed at least 6 feet away from the foundation.

2. Check for Foundation Cracks

As the ground freezes and thaws, small cracks can form in your foundation. Water from spring rain can sneak in through these cracks, leading to basement leaks or worse.

• Inspect the interior and exterior of your foundation.

• Seal minor cracks with appropriate caulking or sealant.

• Call a pro for anything wider than a hairline.

3. Test Your Sump Pump

A working sump pump can be the difference between a dry basement and a disaster. Don't wait until the storm hits.

• Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and make sure it kicks on.

• Clean out any debris.

• Consider a battery backup if your power tends to go out during storms.

4. Inspect the Grading Around Your Home

Melting snow and spring rain will naturally flow downhill—make sure that’s away from your home.

• The ground should slope away from your foundation.

• Add soil or regrade areas where water tends to pool.

5. Examine Your Roof and Flashing

Spring is a great time to take a look at how your roof handled winter.

• Check for missing or curling shingles.

• Look for gaps or cracks around flashing and roof penetrations.

• Get a professional roof inspection if you’re unsure.

6. Seal Windows, Doors & Basement Entries

Rain and wind can push water into the smallest gaps.

• Inspect weather stripping and seals.

• Add caulking where needed.

• Consider window well covers if your basement windows are at ground level.

7. Take a Look at Your Yard & Drainage Features

• Clear debris from drains, ditches, and culverts.

• Ensure that landscaping and hardscaping features aren’t directing water toward your home.

• Move stored items or firewood away from the home’s foundation.

Prevent Water Damage Before It Starts

At Just Call Joe Inspections, we help homeowners like you stay ahead of the seasons with Maintenance Inspections and spring-readiness checklists. Whether it’s identifying trouble spots around the home or offering advice on how to fix them, we’re here to help you stay dry, safe, and protected.

Final Tip

If you're unsure about anything on this list, or you just want a second set of eyes to make sure your home is ready—just call Joe. A spring maintenance inspection can catch problems early and help you head into storm season with peace of mind.