It may still feel like summer outside, but eventually our Southern California rainy season will arrive.
Because we don’t get a tremendous amount of rain, it’s easy to forget about things like roofs, gutters and drainage until the first real storm.
Whether you own a home in the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley or Conejo Valley, there are a few things I think are especially worth checking while everything is still dry.
1. Your Roof May Need Attention Even If It Isn’t Old
I’m sometimes surprised when homeowners tell me their roof is only five or ten years old, so they assume there’s nothing to check. The roofing material itself may be perfectly fine. But leaks can develop around vents, pipes, flashing, skylights, rooftop heating and air-conditioning equipment, and other places where something penetrates or meets the roof. Sealants around those areas can deteriorate over time, especially after our hot Southern California summers.
If nobody has looked at your roof in a while, consider having a qualified roofer inspect it while the weather is still dry. Sometimes a relatively small maintenance item caught early can prevent a much bigger headache once it starts raining.
2. Don’t Just Clean the Gutters — Look at Where the Water Goes
Cleaning leaves and debris out of gutters is important, but there’s another question that’s easy to overlook:
Where does the downspout actually send the water?
On many homes, downspouts empty right beside the house, sometimes into a planter or another area where wet soil can remain close to the foundation. It’s something I often see home inspectors point out during buyer inspections.
Take a walk around your house and see where the water will go when it rains. A downspout extension — or even something as simple as an inexpensive splash block — can help direct water away from the house and away from walkways where you don’t want water collecting.
Why I’m Such a Fan of Splash Blocks
I first became particularly aware of them at my dad’s house in Arizona, where a downspout emptied beside the front walkway. When temperatures dropped, even a little moisture could create a slippery spot that was hard to see.
We purchased some inexpensive splash blocks, and they did the trick. Ever since then, I tend to notice where downspouts are sending the water. It’s a small detail, but sometimes small details make a real difference.
3. Don’t Forget Your Yard Drains
While you’re outside checking the gutters and downspouts, take a look at your yard drains and drainage channels too. Leaves, dirt and other debris can collect in drains during our long dry season. When the first substantial rain finally arrives, you don’t want to discover that water has nowhere to go.
Make sure drainage openings are clear and that water has a suitable path away from the house. If you have concerns about grading or drainage, it’s worth having a qualified professional take a look before the rainy season begins.
A Little Preparation Now Can Prevent a Bigger Problem Later
There’s been plenty of talk about what kind of rainy season Southern California may have this year. Whatever ultimately happens, these are sensible things to check before the rain arrives.
A little preventive maintenance now is much easier than discovering a leak or drainage problem when everyone else is calling the roofer at the same time.
And if you’re not sure who to call for something around your home, feel free to reach out. I may be able to point you in the right direction.
Janey Bishop
Independent Real Estate Broker
Serving the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley and Conejo Valley
DRE 01838769
(818) 570-1144
[email protected]
