“Here Comes the Rain Again”—The Eurythmics

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“Here Comes the Rain Again”—The Eurythmics

by Sweiskloss Staff
February 22, 2024
The “Pineapple Express” on Sunday, February 4th, and Monday, February 5th, brought record rain falls to Southern California. With an atmospheric river drenching the region this week, this February is the fourth wettest one in Los Angeles since 1878, according to WNBC News!

Mudslides, washed out roadways, flooded streets! It’s a mess out there. But how to stop the mess from coming inside? With this much rain, leaks can cause major damage to the structure and interior of your home. It can be particularly difficult to find the cause of the leak as water travels along mysterious paths. You could have water dripping down through your ceiling in one corner of the house and discover that the leak is due to a hole in the roofing material at the other end of the house. Between the ceiling and the roof, the water has run along ductwork and conduit to get to its destination. Finding the source of a leak is a lot more work than preventing them in the first place. Here are some ideas on how to protect your home before the rains falls:
  1. Having your whole roof inspected by a professional periodically can help prevent leaks. An inspection will identify cracks in roof penetrations such as at skylights and at exhaust vents.
  2. Water can get in through holes in the HVAC system. Ask your HVAC maintenance company to look for holes when conducting their regular maintenance.
  3. Make sure to keep your gutters clear. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow and reach your foundation. Make sure your downspouts are securely attached and direct water away from your home.
  4. Keep trees trimmed away from the roof and gutters so as not to clog them.
  5. Properly waterproof planters that are adjacent to your home.
  6. Make sure your landscaping is sloped away from your home and stays sloped away from your home through regular gardening.
  7. Ensure that weatherstripping and seals around your windows and doors are in good shape.
  8. Inspect the foundation walls for any cracks and repair them.
  9. Maintain your home’s exterior finishes, including siding, stucco, and shingles to seal them against rain seeping in.

On a positive note, with all this rain, Spring will surely bring beautiful blooms.
 
Laura McMahon