Who was happy to see the rain this weekend? The hillsides and vegetation have been dying for moisture, as our winter has been remarkably like summer for almost two months now.
But don’t forget those windstorms we had late last year, and how much damage they did. Now, with the hillsides dried out, we are prime for landslides and floods when the rain finally starts. And guess what—that time is now! We had rain this weekend, and more is predicted for Saturday.
Don’t delay! Get your home fixed before the water can damage your home and its contents, and prepare for some wet and wild weather here soon.
Here are our tips for checking your home and getting the prep done to give yourself the best chance to survive the wet weather that’s coming up:
The Roof
There’s a big reason that buildings have roofs: They are very good at keeping water out of your house or office. That said, there are a number of different ways for water to get in through your roof, so consider the following points as you conduct the examination:
- Keep the roof free from leaves, twigs, and other litter to allow for proper drainage. Clogged gutters can easily lead to poor drainage, which in turn can lead to leaks in both the walls and at the foundation.
- Make sure air can flow freely through all soffit and roof vents. This will reduce the buildup of heat and moisture and help extend the life of the roof.
- Consult a professional on using a preservative or cleaner (depending on the type of roof you have) to help limit the weathering effects of moisture and slow the growth of molds and mosses.
- Replace missing, curling, cupping, broken, or cracked shingles.
- Watch for damage in valley areas of the roof, and around the flashing at chimneys, vents, and other junctions.
- Check your attic around flues, plumbing vents, and chimneys for roof leaks, especially if you’ve noticed water stains on the ceiling.
From Gutters To The Ground
Once you’re off the roof, there are still possible culprits to investigate. Take a look around the foundation of your home; a few simple changes could make all the difference.
- Place splash blocks at the end of downspouts to carry water away from the foundation, or add an extra length of downspout if necessary.
- Every spring, have the air conditioning (A/C) system serviced by a qualified contractor. Make sure their service includes inspecting and cleaning the A/C condensation pan drain line. Change the air filters on a regular basis.
- Before winter starts, disconnect garden hoses from all spigots and turn off each spigot’s water supply.
- Replace any damaged caulk around windows or doors.
- Repaint wood siding as needed.
- Fill in any low spots next to the house to help water drain away from the foundation.
If you need help with any of these fix-it tips, please just give us a call. As a fully qualified, bonded and insured construction company as well as a restoration company, we’re happy to help you by doing the work before the water damage happens! Then you can pass our number on to your neighbor, who wasn’t quite as on the ball as you were, and didn’t get his roof fixed after the December windstorms.
For water damage repair and restoration anywhere in the Inland Empire, call us now on 877-732-8471 for an estimate. Our skilled technicians are standing by, 24/7!