Rain Season Is Coming: 5 Things to Check on Your Roof and Gutters

After a long, hot stretch, Southern California's rain season tends to show up all at once. The first real storm of the year is when small roof and gutter problems turn into water damage, and water damage is one of the most common homeowners claims we see.

A 20-minute look around your home now can save you a lot of trouble later. Here's what to check.

1. Clean out the gutters and downspouts

Leaves, pine needles and everything the Santa Ana winds blew in all end up in your gutters. When they clog, rainwater spills over the edge, runs down your walls and pools around the foundation. Clear them out and make sure each downspout points water at least a few feet away from the house.

2. Look at the roof from the ground

You don't need to climb up. Walk around the house and look for missing, cracked or curled shingles, or tiles that have slipped out of place. A pair of binoculars helps. If something looks off, call a licensed roofer before the rain, not after.

3. Check the seals around vents, chimneys and skylights

The metal flashing and caulk around anything that pokes through your roof are some of the most common spots for leaks. Cracked or peeling sealant is an easy, inexpensive fix now.

4. Look for signs of old leaks inside

Check your ceilings and, if you can, the attic. Water stains, a musty smell or damp insulation mean water is already getting in somewhere.

5. Trim branches that hang over the roof

Branches scrape shingles, drop leaves into gutters and can come down in a storm. Keep them trimmed back from the roofline.

What your homeowners policy usually covers, and what it doesn't

• Usually covered: sudden, accidental damage, such as a tree branch crashing through the roof during a storm.

• Usually not covered: damage from wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or a slow leak that went on for months.

• Not covered by homeowners at all: flooding from rising surface water. That needs a separate flood policy.

That's why this checklist matters: upkeep is the homeowner's part of the deal. Tip: after you clean the gutters, take a few dated photos of your roof and gutters. They're helpful if you ever need to file a claim.

Not sure what your policy says?

Bring your declarations page by our office at 3736 N Peck Rd, El Monte, or call (626) 206-0045. We'll read it with you and tell you honestly whether anything needs to change.

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