Although the thought of an “atmospheric river” running through your home or yard may not be something that generally keeps you up at night, the severity of recent storms has undoubtedly been a wakeup call for many. With this in mind, we thought it may be useful to offer steps that homeowners can take to be better prepared for the winter season. Below are 5 things homeowners can do to prepare their home for the winter months:
1. Clean or Install Gutters
When gutters are clogged, it causes water to puddle on roofs, leading to leaks and further damage. It may also cause additional water to run off directly onto the home or the foundation. If you do not have gutters present, it’s a great investment and a way to divert water away from your home. Water entering the foundation or under your home is the biggest cause of foundation damage, which can be costly. You want to ensure that downspouts are pushing water to the street or major drains away from your home.
2. Complete a Roof Inspection
Having a leaky roof during heavy rains can be an absolute nightmare. Not only does it lead to damage, finding roofers available during this period can come with a heavy premium. By performing a simple roof inspection or having a roofer come out and perform a “tune-up” before the storm, you can hopefully locate and correct any issues before the rains hit.
3. Caulk Windows or Doors where Gaps exist
This can be a simple DIY project. Inspect the exterior of your home and see if gaps appear in these areas. This is common over time due to normal settling and may be as simple as just adding some caulking in these areas to prevent water intrusion.
4. Divert Water whenever possible
If you have flat or slopped areas on your property where puddling occurs, adding drains, sandbags, etc. are ways to avoid having water contact your foundation directly or spreading to other areas of your home.
5. Inspect and Service your Furnace
Many So Cal homeowners may not use their furnaces or forced air units often, but it’s always wise to change the filter and have the system inspected annually. This will ensure there are no gas leaks, and the system is working properly and efficiently during the winter months.
Shop Local
We always like to reiterate the importance of SHOPPING LOCAL! We have plenty of local vendors that can service these needs and know the area well. Feel free to reach out to us via email if you ever have any questions or need recommendations for any of these service needs.
Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are both licensed Realtors® and co-owners of HH Coastal Real Estate, an independent local brokerage. For more info, visit www.hhcoastal.com.
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