Mardi Gras 2026 Home Checklist Before You Leave for the Parades
Mardi Gras season is full of long days away from home, house guests coming and going, and quick weather changes across Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. A small exterior issue can become a bigger problem when no one is home to notice it — especially if wind-driven rain shows up at the wrong time.
This quick checklist is designed for homeowners who will be out for parades, parties, and weekend events — and want their roof, gutters, and exterior to stay “quiet” while they’re gone.
Why a “before you leave” checklist matters during Mardi Gras season
During Carnival weeks, homes often see a mix of conditions that increase risk: more foot traffic, more door openings, more time away from the property, and more chances for rain to arrive fast. The goal is not perfection — it’s preventing the common problems that turn into urgent calls.
A 15-minute exterior checklist before you head out
Walk the property once and use this list to catch the basics. If something looks questionable, it’s better to address it before the next long stretch away from home.
- Gutters and downspouts: Make sure water can move freely. If you see overflow marks, heavy debris, or a downspout that dumps too close to the foundation, correct it before the next rain.
- Roof edges and drip edge: Look for lifted edge details, loose metal, or places where wind could push water sideways. Roof edges are a common “first failure point” in storms.
- Penetrations and flashing areas: Check around vents, pipe boots, skylights, and chimneys for staining or past leak evidence. Small drips often show up as faint interior discoloration before they become obvious.
- Patio covers and attached structures: Confirm panels and trim are secure and that runoff is controlled. If you have gutters on patio covers, clear them the same way you clear house gutters.
- Windows and doors: If you’ve noticed drafts or water intrusion during heavy rain, confirm weatherstripping and locks are sealing properly before you leave for the day.
- Yard drainage: Move anything that blocks drainage paths. During quick downpours, water needs clean exits away from the home.
If everything checks out, you’ve reduced the odds of coming home to a surprise — and you can enjoy the season without wondering what’s happening at the house.
If you’re decorating or hosting, use the “no damage” approach
Mardi Gras decor and hosting can be hard on exteriors when fasteners and foot traffic are not planned. These two quick rules keep most homes out of trouble.
- Keep attachments off shingles, flashing, and gutters: Use safer attachment methods that don’t compromise roofing materials.
- Control water and entry points: If guests will be in and out, check door sweeps and thresholds so wind-driven rain does not push inside.
For detailed do-and-don’t guidance, read our roof and gutter decor safety guide here: Mardi Gras Decoration Safety for Your Roof and Gutters.
When to schedule an inspection instead of “watching it”
If you notice any of the signs below, it’s usually smarter to schedule a quick inspection before the busiest parade weekends. Small defects are easier to fix when the roof system is dry and accessible.
- Recurring water stains on ceilings or around vent pipes
- Gutter overflow in moderate rain (not just extreme downpours)
- Loose edge metal, lifted shingles, or visible gaps at roof edges
- Soft spots, sagging areas, or active dripping after storms
Even if the fix is minor, documentation helps you plan the next step with clear priorities.
Need parade schedules for Baton Rouge or Slidell?
If you’re planning weekends, use our schedule roundup here: Mardi Gras 2026 Parade Schedules — Baton Rouge & Slidell.
Ready for a roof or gutter check before the busiest weeks of the season? Contact Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) for a free estimate — call (985) 643-6611 (Slidell / Northshore) or (225) 766-4244 (Baton Rouge), or email info@southernhomeimprovement.com.
