Protect Your Home From Rain

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Southern California isn't affected by harsh winter weather in the same way the much of the rest of the country is. That does not mean, however that we don't need to be prepared for some winter weather. As we enter these colder months (cold for us!), more rain will be on the way, and it is important to have our homes and properties prepared for the rain so as not to become devastated by water damage.

Though we will occasionally experience heavier downpours in Southern California, the days with light, constant rain can pose a bigger threat to our properties. We have compiled a list of tips/to-do's to check off to prepare your home before the next rain hits.

• One of the best things you can do to protect your home from water damage due to rain is to regularly inspect your roof. Do this at least twice year or even more frequently if you choose. Inspect first from the ground and look for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. Look for loose or skew roof tiles. Also look to see if any tiles are cracked or missing. If you have any missing tiles, your roof is directly exposed to any adverse weather conditions!
  
  
• You should also regularly check your gutters. Fall doesn't hit as hard here in SoCal, but your gutters are still most likely collecting leaves and other debris. If your gutters and downspout are backed up, the rain water may likely end up inside your home - it needs to go somewhere and clogged gutters aren't able to carry the water away from your home!
  
  
• Keep any trees and other foliage in your yard well maintained. If branches grow too long and are close to your home, they could be leading water directly to you structure. Additionally, any lose branches or debris could be blown into your home during a windy storm, leading to structural AND water damage.
  
  
• When you're done inspecting the outside of your home, don't forget to inspect the inside as well! Check all windows and doors in the home to make sure that they close and seal properly - make any repairs as needed. You can also check for signs of roof leaks inside the home. If your ceiling appears to have water rings, staining, mold, or any discoloring, that is typically a sign that something is leaking, whether it be a pipe, the roof, or an upstairs bathroom fixture.