Good points about placement and plant choice. A few things I'd add from a roofing perspective:
- Don't rely solely on landscaping to handle extreme weather. Had a client who thought planting shrubs around the house would be enough to manage runoff—ended up with water pooling near the foundation and seeping into the basement.
- Gutters and downspouts matter more than people realize. Seen plenty of homes with clogged or undersized gutters that overflow during heavy storms, causing damage to siding and foundations.
- Also, check your roof regularly after severe weather. Had one homeowner ignore minor shingle damage after a storm, thinking it wasn't a big deal... until the next heavy rain turned it into a major leak.
Plants definitely help, but they're just one piece of the puzzle.
Totally agree about gutters—learned that the hard way myself. Another budget-friendly tip I'd add is to invest in some decent weatherstripping around doors and windows. It doesn't cost much but makes a huge difference during heavy storms, keeping drafts and water out. Also, sealing cracks in your foundation can save you from bigger headaches later on... trust me, small leaks always turn into expensive fixes eventually.
Yeah, weatherstripping is underrated for sure. Seen plenty of folks overlook it because it seems minor, but over time those little drafts and moisture sneak in and cause more trouble than you'd think. Good call on the foundation cracks too—fixing that early is always cheaper than dealing with water damage later.
Totally agree on weatherstripping—makes a huge difference. A few more quick tips:
- Check roof flashing regularly; tiny gaps there can cause sneaky leaks.
- Keep gutters clear... clogged gutters overflow and damage siding.
- Trim back branches near the roof; storms can turn them into trouble fast.
Good points overall, especially about trimming branches—I learned that one the hard way during a big storm last year. One thing I'd gently push back on though is the frequency of checking roof flashing. I agree it's important, but constantly climbing up there isn't always practical or safe for everyone, especially if you're a newer homeowner or uncomfortable with heights. Maybe instead, we could focus more on preventive measures like investing in higher-quality flashing materials or applying additional sealants upfront to minimize the need for frequent checks?
Also, while gutter cleaning is absolutely necessary, I've found that installing gutter guards really cuts down on maintenance. It costs a bit extra at first, but it's saved me a ton of hassle and worry during heavy rains. Just something else to consider...
