Dubai sees rainfall infrequently. Even when it does rain, it’s usually for a short period only. The city’s rainy season isn’t that long either, with rain falling an average of 25 days a year.
This begs the question: Do Dubai residents really need to prepare their houses for rainfall?
Here, you’ll learn the answer to this question and other crucial things about preparing your house for rainfall in Dubai.
Dubai Rainfall Situation Report
Dubai residents and visitors usually experience short downpours and the occasional thunderstorms between November and March.
Based on historical data, the emirate of Dubai’s wettest month is February, with an average rain of 35 millimetres (1.4 inches). Of course, this doesn’t mean it can’t rain during the other months of the year.
On rare occasions, heavy rain and thunderstorms unexpectedly occur in June despite it being the city’s driest month.
There are also instances when the local government is taking innovative steps to trigger rainfall to ease the hot and dry climate. And so far, these efforts have been effective.
How to Prepare Your House for Rain
Heavy rainfall in Dubai can lead to water damage, not unless you take preventative steps to prepare your house for the wet season.
Here are four critical steps you need to take to get started:
1. Maintain the roof, gutters, and downspouts.
The roof, gutters, and downspouts prevent rainwater from going to parts of the house that should never get wet. That said, you need to clean them periodically to ensure that they serve their purpose.
But before you proceed, you must first perform roof checks.
Experts recommend doing this at least twice a year. You should also include the skylights and flashing on your inspection list.
2. Check the ceiling for leaks.
Besides blocked gutters and downspouts, you should also be watching out for signs of leaks in the ceiling. These are challenging to deal with since the location of the leak isn’t always indicative of its source.
During your inspection, be on the lookout for the following signs:
- Water rings
- Mould
- Soggy areas
- Discolouration
- Peeling paint
If you spot any of these, get help from handyman services in Dubai to take care of things without risking more damage.
3. Inspect the doors and windows
Rainwater can seep into your windows and doors, especially ones that aren’t well sealed.
Ideally, these parts of the house should allow for a full range of motion, letting you open and close them properly. However, gaps could cause moisture to enter your home, no matter how small these openings may be.
To prevent this, hire an expert handyman to reinforce and strengthen them for you. You can also use foam tape, caulk, weather stripping, rigid foam insulation, or window films to deal with leaks, but it’s still best to have professionals provide a more permanent solution.
4. Keep all electrical lines in good condition
Although often overlooked, electrical wiring is a critical area in preparing your house for rainfall. Failing to maintain it can pose dangers to both the structure and its inhabitants.
Before thunderstorms and heavy rainfall even begin, inspect your electrical system and ensure that everything – from the sockets and switches to the wirings and plugs – is in perfect shape.
If you find anything that needs to be repaired, do a quick online search for “electrician near me” and seek expert help immediately.
Stay Dry in Dubai
Rain in Dubai is rare, but it can be a dangerous event when it happens and your home is ill prepared.
Follow the steps presented here to ensure your home is ready should a downpour occur, so your family and possessions are safe.
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