Every February we get the same calls. Roof leak. Stuck door from a swollen frame. Standing water under the deck. Most of those calls could have been avoided with two Saturdays of work in October.
Here is the list we give our own family.
1. Clear the gutters — twice
Once in late October, once in mid-December after the oak leaves have all dropped. We see more interior water damage from clogged downspouts than from any other single cause in Placer County. Hire someone if you don't like ladders. It is cheaper than drywall.
2. Walk your roof — from the ground
Binoculars work fine. Look for lifted shingles at the ridge, missing tabs, anything around chimneys and vents. If you see daylight from the attic, you have a roof problem.
3. Check exterior caulk and weatherstripping
Run a finger around every window and door from outside. Cracked caulk lets in cold air and slow water. Replace door weatherstrip if it looks compressed flat.
4. Test sump pumps and check crawlspace
If your crawlspace has a sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it kicks on. Check vapor barrier for tears.
5. Look under your deck
California decks rot from the ledger out. Check for soft wood where the deck meets the house, and any joist hangers that are showing rust.
6. Trim trees away from the house
Anything within four feet of the roof is going to scrape shingles in a storm and drop debris into gutters all winter.
7. Drain hose bibs and irrigation
We don't get hard freezes often, but we get them. Disconnect hoses, drain the line, install foam covers.
8. Service the heating system
Now, not in January when the furnace dies and every HVAC company is booked two weeks out.
Have a question about this article? Email Mohamad directly at mabb@amzpubprocess.com.