So far this year has been relatively dry, but recent weather updates show that storms are headed our way. Typically, rain in Southern California causes people to think about car accidents, flooded streets, and not having to wash their cars. One thing about rain storms that most people overlook is the potential damage that it could do to your home if your roof is in disrepair. [Read more…]
Do You Know How to Maintain Your Home?
Sometimes it’s called a “Honeydo” list. You know the one—”Honey, can you unclog the drain?” or “Honey, can you fix the roof?” It’s hard to ignore the Honeydo list, but it is essential. Why? Because keeping up with maintenance on your home is a lot cheaper than fixing it when something goes wrong.
Your home may be the biggest investment you will ever make, and even though you’d rather be watching the game or playing golf, maintenance is a necessary evil. It’s the best way to ensure it keeps its value and ensures it will provide a comfortable, safe shelter for you and your family for a long time. [Read more…]
More Wind, But No Rain in Inland Empire
This weather is great for hanging out on the beach, and also great for mold growth.
Um, is it August? These Santa Ana winds are so pervasive this year–right now it feels like the height of summer, not the depths of winter. Many other areas of the nation, like Alabama, are facing extreme weather right now, and Washington State was just ravaged with winter storms that brought most of the state to a standstill. But, they’re still standing, unlike the towns in Alabama destroyed by this week’s tornadoes. [Read more…]
How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home: Part Two
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!
Burning Yard Waste in the Inland Empire, Orange County
Burning leaves in your yard is allowed on certain days, but you can never burn household garbage.
With all of the recent windstorms, many residents in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and Orange counties have a yard full of tree branches, bushes, leaves and other debris. It seems like the best solution, and a natural one, would be to burn the debris in your yard, right?
Well, yes and no. [Read more…]
Southern California Edison Causes Power Outage in Corona
Southern California Edison has done it again—the power is out for customers in the Southland. Thankfully, it’s not as many as in November when the winds destroyed power lines, or when San Diego Gas and Electric had that major shutdown in September, but over 1,400 customers are without power in Corona.
The power went out just before 3 a.m. this morning, and SCE is blaming it on equipment problems, not the wind—although it is blowing today in the Inland Empire. Or should we call it the “Windland Empire”? The Santa Anas are being very generous during this holiday season, and although all of us are appreciating the sunny, warm weather, windstorms are becoming a little frequent. [Read more…]
More Wind in Inland Empire Through Friday
The wind-farm wil be happy with the upcoming strong-wind advisory tomorrow and Friday.
As if two windstorms this winter hadn’t created enough mayhem and destruction, there’s a new one about to hit the desert early tomorrow morning.
Starting at 4 a.m. Thursday morning and lasting up until 1 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service’s warning is in effect for the Coachella Valley and the Palm Springs area. They have not said if this is another “inside slider”, like the two previous storm, but the winds will be coming from the north and northeast. [Read more…]
Another Windstorm to Hit Southern California?
Skiers will be celebrating the snow on the mountains, but those with homes or businesses damaged in the storm are probably cursing the rain.
Yes, the winter windstorms in Orange County, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire have not finished with us yet. The National Weather Service reports that another “inside slider” is going to move into the region tomorrow and Friday. [Read more…]
How Do I Know My Roof Was Damaged By SoCal Windstorm?
Your house doesn't have to look like this to have a damaged roof. Get it checked now!
If you’re assuming that your roof is fine after the major windstorms over the past week just because your home wasn’t hit by a tree, you may be fooling yourself. Wind can damage a roof in many ways, without the aid of branches and other flying objects, and you might still be in danger.
Your roof goes through a lot, day by day, even in our mild Southern California weather. When it rains, it rains hard and fast, and the sun bakes your roof the rest of the time. We have Santa Ana winds frequently throughout the year—granted, rarely as strong as last week’s storm—that tear at the roof and cause damage that you can’t necessarily see. Even a light rainfall on a damaged roof can cause a larger problem that requires complex, expensive and time-consuming repair, from mold and mildew growth through to foundation damage. Sounds expensive, right?
And with so many homes with power outages after the windstorm, temperatures in the home may fluctuate, causing the perfect conditions for mold growth. Fixing a roof or a leak will be much less costly than mold remediation—at least three times less.
Waterstains or leaks in your ceiling should not be the sign you’re looking for to tell you your roof is damaged. By that time, more damage has been done than you’ll want to hear about—or pay for. Make sure you do regular roof check ups, and have a professional check it at least once a year for signs of damage.
- If you have shingles, they should tell a story: Any blisters, curls or cracks in the shingles will indicate that the roofing material has reached its working lifespan and may need replacement.
- Discolored patches, exposed nails and missing shingles should also raise a red flag.
- This goes for red, clay mission tiles too, the ones that we are so fond of here in the Southland. These are very susceptible to damage, and should be checked after any kind of storm.
- Areas such as skylights, intersection of roof planes, vents and chimney surrounds are prone to catching and holding moisture. Feel the insulation and, if you notice any wet portions or growth of molds, water may already be seeping through these areas.
- A damaged roof flashing could also be the cause of the leak. Roof flashings are found where the roof meets the wall so be sure to check ridges, plumbing vents, chimneys, skylights and eaves.
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, please call us immediately. We know how to work with your insurance company to make the process as easy and hassle-free as possible for you. Repairs now will cost you less money than if you wait, and there’s a very real danger that your insurance company will not pay for the damage that happens months down the road from a leak caused now!
If you have been affected by the wind and storm in any way, you need to act now. Call us on (877) 732-8471 immediately or fill out the form on the right and one of our trained specialists will call you shortly.
Wind Still Affecting Orange County, Inland Empire, Fire Warning
If you are expecting the winds to have left the Southland, you’ll be disappointed. Residents in some areas are still waiting for power to be restored, and many areas will have to be patient while waiting for the winds to die down.
The National Weather Service issued a red-flag warning today for the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties that lasts through Tuesday afternoon. The northeast winds are expected to reach 40 mph with the possibility of gusts up to 60 mph. [Read more…]