If you own a Portland home, it’s important to take steps to protect your investment. With the wet climate here, metro Portland real estate is most in danger from water damage. Fortunately there are several steps you can take to prevent damage due to storms.

Install rain gutters and be sure to direct the flow away from the house. Consult with a landscape designer if you notice water pooling around the foundation of your home. Discuss ways to change the drainage on your property.

Most advice given says to clean out rain gutters at the beginning of every season. Another, more permanent fix, is to install gutter protectors that keep out leaves and other debris so water can flow freely.

A Portland home with a basement needs to be secure against flooding. Seal the walls of the basement with masonry waterproofer. This will help to keep water from seeping into the walls and foundations, causing expensive damage. Masonry waterproofer is available online and in most brick and mortar home improvement stores. Invest in a quality sump pump so that if flooding does occur, you can get the water out quickly, before it causes permanent damage.

A backup generator might also be a good investment if you are in an especially storm-prone area or if you are caring for very young or very old people whose bodies cannot cope with extreme temperatures. A generator can also save you money by keeping your fridge and freezer cold so food doesn’t spoil.

A home is the biggest investment most of us will make in our lives. It pays to take steps to protect it from damage due to foreseeable storms and other common problems.