If you live in a condominium unit, you better prepare for the coming rainy season Philippines in 2022.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the official start of the rainy season on Wednesday, May 18, following days of rain. Typically, June to November are the months of the rainy season in the Philippines; however, with the continuous days of rain in mid-May, PAGASA officially declares the start of the rainy season.
The rainy season has arrived, and while the sun is still burning outdoors, everyone should prepare for the severe rains that will begin this month. While you have probably purchased your umbrella, rain boots, and everything else in preparation for the season, are you truly prepared? Is your condo unit ready to endure the downpours and frequent floods this time of year?
Not every month of the year is ideal for condo living. The rainy season months, which include monsoon season and typhoon season, are some of the most challenging times of the year, especially in the Philippines as a tropical country. Although condo living has its advantages, above the ground, to name one, the surrounding regions of your condo unit should also be considered because they might cause you inconvenience if they are destroyed by rain. So aside from preparing yourself for more wet days ahead, here are some tips on how you can prepare your condo and make it safe and sound during the months of the rainy season in the Philippines:
Clean your balcony
The best place for water to accumulate is on your balcony. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it's essential to clean your patio before the rainy season hits so that there are no leftover leaves or debris that could get wet and clog up drains. During rainy days, water tends to pool up along your balcony, so you have to clean it regularly. This will also prevent mosquitoes from breeding near your home. If there is too much water in one area of your balcony, it can cause severe damage to your roofing system and walls.
Make sure everything is secured on your balcony.
If there are any loose items on your balcony, ensure they're securely attached before the rain starts up again. This includes chairs, tables, and even plants if they're not already growing in pots. Ensure they are correctly secured; you don't want these things falling off during the storm!
Put waterproof coating on common areas.
Because you use the common areas of your condo building, you should keep an eye on its maintenance. Check for leaks on the stairwells, pathways, decks, planters, stucco sidings, and other wood surfaces. Inform the building administrator if you believe it is in poor condition. Advise them that it may be time to apply waterproofing sealant to these areas if they haven't already. Waterproofing is one of the most important things you can do to protect your property from water damage. This will prevent water from seeping into your unit and causing more harm than necessary. In addition, it also helps prevent mold growth which can also cause respiratory issues among residents living in condos.
Inspect the roof or ceiling for possible leaks
This may be less of an issue if your condo unit is in the middle of the building, but if you live on the top floors, it is something you should address. Your condo building administrator can have the roofs and flashings inspected for rain-related damage to prevent further leaks. Leaks are susceptible to valley flashings and edge metals.
Check windows and doors for leaks.
Make sure your doors and windows are completely closed. Water can enter the house through gaps, causing leaks. This is especially important if you live on the upper floors. Examine the area surrounding doors and windows for any signs of water entry. Inspect your drywall for cracks and stains while you're at it. Check for leaks around windows and doors – especially around window frames, which should be caulked every year or two depending on conditions. Use weather stripping around doors and ensure all door sweeps are correctly installed and firmly attached. If needed, install a new weather stripping; most hardware stores sell this.
Clean the rain gutters
The rain gutters should be cleaned regularly to channel away water efficiently after it rains heavily. It is essential to clean them regularly because if they get clogged with leaves or debris, they might not function correctly when it rains heavily and cause flooding inside your condo unit or building premises. Rain gutter maintenance is also a condo association's responsibility, so take advantage of the extra costs you pay each month to bring it to their attention. Even before severe rains begin, the board of directors should be reminded that the rain gutters should be clear of leaves and debris.
Secure slopes and other slide-prone areas
It would help if you secured any slope areas or other slide areas in your unit. This includes balconies, porches, decks, and even steps and pathways that lead up to them. Rainwater can easily create mudslides and floods that could ruin everything in its path. If you have a large slope area in your unit, make sure that it has proper drainage systems so that rainwater can be drained out quickly without causing any damage. Additionally, put plastic and sandbags on all the community slopes and other slide sites to eliminate or reduce the chances of flooding and accidents.
Familiarize yourself with the electrical system in your unit
During heavy rains, electricity is always affected by power surges or blackouts because of heavy water flow on wires or lightning strikes near transmission lines or transformers. Learn how to shut off the main circuit breaker to your home and make sure you know where it is located. This could save you from an electric shock if there are leaks in your home's wiring system. You should be aware of the location of the fuse box so that you can quickly turn off the electricity if necessary. Although the top floors may not be swamped, the building administrator may elect to turn off the power if the lower levels of the property become flooded.
Have emergency essentials
Before the rainy season, months start, as early as summer, stock up on emergency essentials. This includes food and water supply, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and candles on hand. This will help prevent unnecessary trips to the grocery store during a storm. Ensure that you have enough supplies for your family members for at least three to five days. In addition, consider purchasing radios and flashlights to stay informed about current developments during bad weather events while staying in your condo.
The rainy season in the Philippines 2022 is here! Rain can be a good thing as it brings about lush green grass and flowers. But if you live in a condo, it could also be your worst nightmare. Condo living is a convenient lifestyle that many are choosing. Condos are affordable, easy to maintain, and offer a significant amount of privacy. However, during the rainy season months, it cannot be easy to keep up with the maintenance of your condo. The good thing is that you can do some simple things to make your condo safe and secure during rainy days.
Read Also: How to prepare your house and lot for the rainy season
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