Los Angeles goes months with barely a drop of rain. According to NOAA’s climate data for the city, about 85 percent of our annual rainfall lands between November and March. That makes November a good time to give your home a once-over.
If you own a home in the Valley or on the Westside, here are the things I’d check in the next couple of weeks.
Clean your gutters and downspouts. Months of dust and leaves pile up, and a clogged gutter in heavy rain sends water spilling down your walls, which can stain stucco, damage fascia, and push water toward your foundation. If you don’t want to do it yourself, a professional gutter cleaning service can handle it.
Check your roof. Walk around the house and look up. Missing or cracked shingles, or anything that looks uneven, is worth a call to a roofer before the wet season. A small fix is easier to schedule than an emergency repair.
Watch your drainage. Water coming off your roof should move away from the house, not pool near the foundation. If you’ve got a low spot by the house or a planter that collects water, that’s worth addressing.
Look at your windows and doors. If you feel a draft or spot cracked caulk or worn weatherstripping, resealing those areas helps keep wind-driven rain out. The Department of Energy notes that caulking and weatherstripping often pay for themselves within about a year through lower heating and cooling costs. If you’re seeing signs of a bigger leak, that’s one for a professional.
Trim problem branches. Wind and rain can bring down dead or heavy branches. Anything large or high up is a job for a licensed tree service, not a weekend project.
If you’re thinking of selling this spring, this list matters double. Buyers notice water stains, and inspectors notice everything. Taking care of this now can mean a cleaner inspection later.
None of this is glamorous. But a little prevention now is a lot easier than dealing with water damage after the rain.
If you’re thinking of selling in the spring and want to talk through what your place needs, reach out anytime through the contact page. I’m always happy to help.