Monsoon-proof your house

The monsoon can wreak havoc indoors thanks to the excess moisture. It can irretrievably damage the exteriors and interiors of the house, leaving the walls drab and shabby. But a few tips are all it takes to maintain your home.

Ensure that good quality paint is used to decorate the use. Representation Pics.

Interior designer Jyoti Panse says that water proofing before the rainy season is very important. "Try to use water-proof colours for the walls as they help keep the walls dry and clean. Try to avoid using wooden furniture as it can expand and get spoiled easily during the monsoon. Instead you can use metal furniture. Keep the wooden and metal furniture away from the windows so that it will not catch moisture," she says.

If you plan to opt for a paint job, ensure that the painters come with a moisture meter

One of the main reasons for the interior wall damage is the inferior quality of paint used on the exterior of the property. "People's choice of exterior paint is crucial as it protects the external wall by preventing rain water and moisture from getting secreted in the concrete," adds Panse.

It's also advisable to check that the painters use a moisture meter, which scans wall surfaces to detect if there is any moisture left behind.

Interior designer Manali Chipalunkar points out that this is the time of the year when your property needs extra care. "The failure to protect your home from rain can result in damage which will require costly repair or it can even be too difficult to repair," she states.

Chipalunkar admits that it's best to seek the assistance of a qualified engineer to evaluate the house and fix the problem. "Also, the air conditioner ducts can leave an unseemly trail of water streaming across the surface of the exterior walls. These streaks can be breeding grounds for algae."

Chipalunkar advises that the gaps between the bathroom tiles should be sealed, the grills should be painted, and the metal doors and window frames should be given a fresh coat of paint which will prevent rusting.

Handy Tips
> Coat the internal walls of the house with a coat of water-proof/resistant product before painting.
> Roll the expensive carpets and cover them up in plastic sheets to keep them safe from moisture. Try to replace them with bamboo mat or acrylic carpets.
> Do not cover the windows with heavy curtains during monsoon.
> Clean the leather sofas regularly during the rainy season to prevent fungus from developing on them.
> It is better to get all electrical supply checked before monsoon.