After months of Southern California sunshine, it’s easy to forget about rain preparation until the first real storm arrives. But a little preventative maintenance now can help protect your home from leaks, drainage problems and costly water damage later.
For homeowners throughout Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills and the surrounding Conejo Valley, now is a great time to give your home a quick rain-readiness check.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Leaves, pine needles and debris can quickly clog gutters and prevent rainwater from draining properly. When gutters overflow, water can collect near your roofline, siding and foundation.
Clear your gutters and make sure downspouts are securely connected and directing water away from the house.
Take a Look at Your Roof
You don't need to climb onto your roof to spot potential trouble. From the ground, look for cracked, slipped or missing tiles, damaged flashing or other visible signs of wear.
If your roof is older or you've noticed staining on ceilings or around windows after previous storms, consider having it inspected before the rainy season gets underway.
Check Your Property's Drainage
Walk around your home and look at where water is likely to travel during a heavy downpour. Clear leaves and debris from yard drains, driveway drains and drainage channels.
Make sure water has a clear path away from your home rather than toward it. Homes on hillsides or properties with slopes deserve a little extra attention before significant rain.
Inspect Windows and Exterior Doors
Check the caulking and weather stripping around windows and exterior doors. Small gaps that aren't noticeable during dry weather can become very noticeable once wind-driven rain arrives.
If you see cracked or deteriorating caulking, repairing it now is much easier than dealing with water intrusion later.
Don't Forget the Yard
Trim dead or weak tree branches that could come down during wind or heavy rain. Secure umbrellas, lightweight patio furniture, décor and anything else that could blow around during a storm.
It's also a good time to make sure leaves and landscaping aren't blocking drains or areas where water needs to flow.
Know Where Your Sandbags Are Available
If your property has experienced flooding or water intrusion in the past, don't wait until a storm is underway to think about sandbags. Ventura County fire stations maintain sandbag supplies, although availability can vary.
Know where you'll get them and where they would need to be placed around your property before you actually need them.
Prepare for a Possible Power Outage
Storms can occasionally bring power interruptions along with them. Keep flashlights, batteries, portable chargers and basic emergency supplies somewhere easy to access.
It's also smart to keep phones and backup power banks charged when significant weather is in the forecast.
Check Your Homeowners Insurance
Take a few minutes to review your homeowners insurance coverage. Standard homeowners policies typically do not provide the same protection as a separate flood insurance policy, so homeowners in areas susceptible to flooding should understand exactly what their policy does — and doesn't — cover.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Southern California may be known for sunshine, but when rain does arrive, it can come down quickly. Taking an hour or two to walk around your property and address small maintenance issues now can help prevent much bigger problems later.
And if you're considering selling your home this fall or winter, these are also smart maintenance items to address before putting your property on the market. Buyers notice signs of deferred maintenance — and water stains, roof concerns and drainage issues can quickly become inspection items.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in the Conejo Valley? I'm always happy to be a local resource.
