Is Your Vancouver WA Home Ready for February Rain?

February Rain Is Coming: Is Your Home Ready?

Vancouver WA is enjoying an unusual January dry spell right now. Temperatures in the low 50s, minimal rain, and calm conditions. But February tells a different story.

Historically, February brings 4-5 inches of rain to Clark County, often in heavy bursts that test every gutter, downspout, and drainage system. The question isn't if the rain returns, but whether your home is ready when it does.

What February Rain Means for Your Home

After December's storms dumped record rainfall, many Vancouver homes are still recovering. February's precipitation adds to already-saturated soil, creating:

• Increased foundation pressure from groundwater
• Higher risk of gutter overflow during downpours
• More debris washing into drainage systems
• Extended wet conditions that promote moss growth

Use This Dry Window for Inspection

This week's dry weather creates the perfect opportunity to check your home's rain readiness. Here's what to examine:

Gutters: Look for sagging sections, visible debris, or signs of damage. December's storms may have loosened hangers or deposited leaves you haven't noticed.

Downspouts: Ensure they're securely attached and directing water at least 4-6 feet from your foundation. Splash blocks should be positioned correctly.

Roof: Check for debris accumulation in valleys, missing shingles, or moss patches that grew during the wet months.

Drainage paths: Walk your property and identify where water flows. Are there low spots collecting near your foundation? Erosion channels forming in landscaping?

Three Tasks to Complete This Week

With dry conditions through the weekend, tackle these before February arrives:

1. Clear gutter debris. Even if you cleaned in fall, December storms deposited more material. Clogged gutters cause overflow that damages fascia and foundations.

2. Test your downspouts. Pour a bucket of water into each gutter section and watch it flow through. Slow drainage indicates blockages in the downspout or underground connections.

3. Check your crawl space. December's rain may have introduced moisture. Look for standing water, condensation, or musty odors that signal drainage problems.

When to Call for Help

Some rain preparation tasks require professional attention. Consider scheduling gutter cleaning if:

• Your home is two or more stories
• You notice gutters pulling away from the fascia
• Downspouts connect to underground drainage
• You haven't had gutters cleaned since before December's storms

The current dry spell won't last. February's rain will test every weak point in your home's water management system. A few hours of preparation now prevents expensive repairs later.