Preparing for This Morning's Heavy Rain and Typhoon No. 7 | What to Check Now on Your Roof, Gutters, and Balcony

Preparing for This Morning's Heavy Rain and Typhoon No. 7 | Preventing Road Flooding, Inundation, and Secondary Damage to Your Home

This morning, extremely heavy rain fell in the area around Higashiosaka City, creating conditions that could lead to road flooding and underfloor or above-floor flooding in homes and shops in some places.

When heavy rain falls in a short period, gutters and drains may not be able to keep up, potentially leading to secondary disasters such as road flooding, vehicles getting stranded, and water entering buildings.

Furthermore, we must also be cautious about the impact of rain and wind from Typhoon No. 7 in the coming days.

When heavy rain and strong winds combine, issues can arise in areas you don't usually notice, such as the roof, gutters, corrugated sheets, balcony drainage, and around exterior walls.

In this article, we will introduce points you should check at home after this morning's heavy rain and before the typhoon approaches.

Do not attempt to proceed by car or on foot when roads are flooded

When a road is flooded, you cannot tell the depth of the water just by looking at it.

Gutter or manhole covers may have come off, or road steps and holes may be hidden from view.

Entering a flooded road by car can lead to engine failure or getting stranded.

Even on foot or by bicycle, there is a danger of losing your footing or being swept away by the current.

Do not attempt to enter flooded roads, underpasses, or tunnels; if possible, choose a different, safe route.

Be aware of secondary damage such as electrical leakage in flooded buildings

If water has entered areas near floors or electrical outlets, it could lead to electrical leakage or malfunctions in electrical equipment.

In a flooded room, it is important to:

・Avoid touching wet electrical outlets or distribution boards
・Do not use extension cords or electrical appliances that have been submerged in water
・Stop using equipment if you notice unusual odors, burning smells, or if the circuit breaker trips
・Do not attempt to fix things yourself

This is essential.

If you cannot confirm that it is safe, please consult an electrical contractor, property management company, or a professional.

The first things to check are the drains and gutters

If water overflowed during the heavy rain, pooled on your balcony, or spilled over from the gutters, there may be a problem with your drainage system.

Within a safe range, please check:

・Are there any fallen leaves or debris clogging the balcony or veranda drains?
・Are the gutters detached or tilted?
・Is water overflowing from the gutters?
・Is the drainage for the carport or terrace roof flowing properly?
・Are the gutters or drainage basins around the building clogged?

Please make sure to check these.

However, working when it is raining hard or at heights is dangerous. Please do not force yourself to climb onto the roof or go outside the balcony railing.

Check Roofs, Corrugated Sheets, and Carports Before Strong Winds

During typhoons and strong winds, roof flashing, gutters, corrugated sheets, carport roofs, and terrace roofs are particularly susceptible to damage.

Within the range visible from the ground, please check:

・Is the roof flashing loose?
・Are the gutter brackets coming loose?
・Are the corrugated sheets cracked?
・Have the hooks securing the corrugated sheets come out?
・Are there any cracks in the carport roof?
・Are signs or eaves wobbling?

Please make sure to check these.

Even slight looseness or cracks can lead to widespread damage when hit by strong winds.

Clear Away Items That Might Blow Away Early

What you should be especially careful about before a typhoon is flying debris.

Items on balconies, in gardens, or in front of stores, such as:

・Flower pots
・Laundry poles
・Buckets
・Trash cans
・Tools
・Bicycles
・Signs
・Bamboo blinds
・Outdoor furniture

should be brought indoors or secured so they do not move, as much as possible.

If items from your home or store blow away and hit neighboring buildings or cars, it can cause major trouble.

Indoor Symptoms to Look For After Heavy Rain

After the rain has subsided, please also check the interior.

・Are there any water stains on the ceiling or walls?
・Is water getting in around the windows?
・Is the floor wet?
・Is the wallpaper peeling or discolored?
・Are there any abnormalities around outlets or lighting?

Areas you were already slightly concerned about may show symptoms triggered by heavy rain or strong winds.

If you find damage, first take photos

If you discover damage or leaks, we recommend taking photos as much as possible before rushing to make repairs.

Photos should include:

・A photo showing the entire building
・A photo showing the location of the damage
・A close-up photo of the damaged area
・A photo taken from a different angle
・Photos of scattered materials or fallen objects

Keeping these records will make it easier to confirm the situation later.

However, there is no need to climb onto the roof or approach dangerous areas. Please prioritize your safety above all else.

We also provide inspections and repairs before typhoons

At Sakurai Construction Co., Ltd., focusing on Higashiosaka City, we handle:

・Loose or damaged roof metal sheets
・Detached or deformed gutters
・Repairs for corrugated sheets, carports, and terrace roofs
・Balcony waterproofing and drainage issues
・Checking for cracks in exterior walls and water leaks
・Leak investigations
・Damage assessment from strong winds and heavy rain

and other inspections and repairs related to the exterior of your home.

“Water is overflowing from the gutters”
“The corrugated sheets are slightly loose”
“I want you to take a look before the typhoon”
“Stains appeared on the ceiling after the heavy rain”
“Water got into the floor or around the electrical outlets”

Please feel free to consult with us even at these stages.

Once a typhoon approaches, it may become difficult to arrange inspections or repairs. If there is a concerning area, we recommend checking it early.

Summary

After this morning's heavy rain and in preparation for Typhoon No. 7, let's check the following within a safe range:

・Do not force yourself into flooded roads
・Do not touch flooded electrical equipment
・Balcony drains
・Gutters
・Corrugated sheets
・Carports
・Roof metal sheets
・Exterior walls and eaves
・Items that might blow away
・Water stains or leaks inside the house

Let's check these within a safe range.

If you find damage, it is important not to force yourself to climb to high places, but to take photos and consult a professional contractor as soon as possible.

※Since the typhoon's path, warnings, and advisories may change, please check the latest weather information and disaster prevention information from your local government.