Is Your Home Ready for a Wet Winter?
With a potentially strong El Niño developing for the 2026–27 winter, now is a good time to take a close look at the exterior of your home. NOAA is forecasting a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during the fall and winter, which can increase the potential for wetter and more active storm conditions in California. (Climate Prediction Center)
For homeowners, that means now is the time to find the small problems before the first major storms arrive.
Start With the Roof
A roof inspection should look beyond just missing shingles or visible damage. Check for cracked or damaged roofing materials, deteriorated flashing, exposed fasteners, damaged vents, loose tiles, moss or debris buildup, and areas where water may be collecting.
Even a relatively small roof defect can become a much larger problem once repeated rain and wind are involved.
Don’t Forget the Gutters
Your roof and gutter system work together. Gutters need to be clean, properly pitched, securely attached and free of leaks or excessive rust.
During an inspection, look for:
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Standing water or poor gutter pitch
- Rust, holes or separated seams
- Loose gutter hangers
- Damaged fascia behind the gutters
- Improperly routed or undersized downspouts
- Gutter guards that are clogged or allowing debris through
A clean gutter that cannot drain properly can still cause water to overflow against the exterior of the home.
Check the Drainage System
Downspouts are only half the job. Water needs to be discharged far enough away from the foundation and directed where it can safely drain.
Check extensions, elbows, underground drain connections, catch basins and other drainage components for blockages, separation or damage. Make sure water isn’t being concentrated against the foundation, walkways or other areas where it can create erosion or standing water.
Look at the Whole Exterior
Before the rainy season, it’s worth inspecting the entire exterior—not just the roof.
Look for deteriorated fascia and soffits, damaged siding, failed caulking, cracks around windows and doors, exposed or rotting wood, deteriorated paint, and areas where water has previously left stains or caused damage.
California’s Department of Conservation notes that El Niño can influence storm tracks and rainfall patterns, although the effects vary considerably by region. (California Department of Conservation)
A Little Maintenance Now Can Prevent a Bigger Repair Later
You don’t need to wait for a storm to discover that your gutter is overflowing or your roof has a leak.
A roof and exterior assessment, gutter cleaning, downspout inspection and drainage check before the rainy season can help identify problems while they are still manageable.
With the possibility of an unusually active winter ahead, spending a little time preparing your home’s exterior now could save you from dealing with water damage when the rain arrives.
