REFRESHIFY

Atmospheric rivers are now a regular part of life in Western Washington. Homeowners across King, Snohomish, and Pierce County are seeing more intense rainstorms, quicker soil saturation, and increased drainage failures. Protecting your home before the next storm is essential.

Below are seven high-impact steps homeowners can take. Each section includes DIY actions plus how Refreshify can step in with trusted, professional upgrades that keep your home safer during extreme weather.

1. Clear Gutters, Downspouts, and Roof Valleys

Atmospheric rivers dump fast, continuous rain. If water can’t drain quickly, it overflows onto siding, foundations, and walkways.

DIY

• Clean gutters thoroughly to prevent clogging.
• Rinse downspouts to ensure smooth flow.
• Add extensions to carry water farther from the house.

How Refreshify Helps

• Install oversized gutters designed for high-volume rainfall.
• Replace sagging or damaged runs before they cause leaks.
• Add leaf-guard systems to reduce future buildup.

2. Improve Drainage Around Your Home

When soil becomes fully saturated, water naturally tries to find the lowest path—including toward your foundation.

DIY

• Regrade soil to slope gently away from the home.
• Keep yard drains free of leaves and sediment.
• Add gravel in areas where puddles form.

How Refreshify Helps

• Install French drains to divert stormwater efficiently.
• Repair foundation weaknesses before water can enter.
• Build swales or improved drainage channels for long-term control.

3. Seal Windows, Doors, and Exterior Gaps

Driving rain hits your home from every angle during an atmospheric river. Even tiny gaps can allow seepage.

DIY

• Re-caulk exterior joints and trim.
• Replace worn weatherstripping around doors.
• Check for gaps in siding or damaged sealant.

How Refreshify Helps

• Install energy-efficient, storm-tolerant windows.
• Rebuild damaged trim and siding with water-resistant materials.
• Add flashing upgrades around problem areas.

4. Strengthen Your Basement or Crawl Space

Soil saturation across King and Snohomish County can push moisture upward into the lowest parts of your home.

DIY

• Use humidity sensors or moisture alarms near sump pumps.
• Install new vapor barriers in exposed soil areas.
• Check for standing water after prolonged rain.

How Refreshify Helps

• Replace or upgrade sump pumps for better flow capacity.
• Fully encapsulate crawl spaces to limit ground moisture.
• Install drainage matting to keep water away from the foundation.

5. Reinforce Your Roof and Flashing

Prolonged rain exposes weaknesses that aren’t obvious in dry months.

DIY

• Inspect shingles for lifting or cracking.
• Remove moss to prevent water retention.
• Check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents.

How Refreshify Helps

• Repair structural roof issues that lead to slow leaks.
• Replace old flashing with modern, storm-rated materials.
• Install full roof replacements when aging materials threaten safety.

6. Add Backup Power for Storm Outages

A power outage during a storm can disable sump pumps or heating systems, increasing water-damage risk.

How Refreshify Helps

• Install generator hookups or battery backup systems.
• Add transfer switches for safe emergency power use.

7. Consider Flood-Resistant Upgrades

Homeowners in low-lying parts of Pierce County and near waterways face greater risk when water levels rise.

How Refreshify Helps

• Elevate utilities like HVAC, water heaters, and electric panels.
• Replace carpet or wood with water-resistant flooring.
• Install flood vents to reduce structural pressure.

Why PNW Homeowners Trust Refreshify

Refreshify specializes in storm-ready home improvements built for the Pacific Northwest climate. Homeowners across Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and surrounding communities count on our team to keep their homes dry, protected, and structurally sound—no matter how intense the rainfall becomes.