Heavy rain, wind, flooding and power outages can expose all the little problems around your home that were easy to ignore when it was sunny. Here’s what to check, and what to and fix, before the first big storm hits.
We've been here before: the first big storm rolls through the Bay Area and suddenly that slightly loose fence is leaning, water is coming in around a window and the gutter you meant to clean is overflowing.
This year, there’s more urgency to get aead of those projects.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of becoming very strong this fall and winter. That doesn’t guarantee a soaking-wet Bay Area winter, but it does make this a particularly good year to take care of small home repairs before rain and wind turn them into bigger ones.
Start with a walk around your home and look for the things you already know need attention.
What Home Repairs Should You Make Before Winter?
Start outside.
Check exterior doors and windows for gaps, deteriorating caulk and damaged weatherstripping. Look for loose trim, damaged siding and other openings where wind-driven rain could get in.
Check gates, fences, railings and other outdoor structures for anything loose or unstable. A repair that takes an hour on a dry afternoon is considerably less appealing in the middle of a storm.
INTERNAL LINK: Relevant exterior/home repair service page
How Do You Prepare Your Home for Heavy Rain?
Think about where water went last winter.
Did it collect near a doorway? Come through a window? Pool against the house? Did a downspout send water somewhere it shouldn't?
Clear gutters, downspouts and outdoor drains before the rain starts. Then address the small repairs you’ve been putting off, particularly around doors, windows and exterior openings. California’s Department of Water Resources also recommends clearing storm drains and having flood-fighting materials ready before flooding occurs.
Inside, look for signs of previous water intrusion, including staining or damaged drywall. Finding the source before repairing the cosmetic damage is important, otherwise you're likely to be repairing it again. Need assistance? We're here to help you with your storm preperation projects.
How Do You Prepare Your Yard for a Winter Storm?
Wind has a way of finding the one thing you didn't secure.
Bring in or secure loose outdoor items and check fences and gates for loose boards, posts, hinges and latches. Look around decks, stairs and railings for anything that moves when it shouldn't.
Trees and large branches that appear unsafe should be evaluated by a qualified tree professional rather than treated as a DIY project.
Don't Forget the Garage
Small home-maintenance problems can accumulate in the garage. We see them when we pull in, but then we forget by the time we're inside.
Check the weatherstripping around exterior and garage doors. Look for places where water has entered before. Get items you don't want wet off the floor if your garage is prone to taking on water.
It's also a good opportunity to finally tackle those smaller repairs you've been walking past all summer.
What Should You Have Ready for a Power Outage?
Home preparation isn't only about repairs.
Make sure you have working flashlights, fresh batteries, charged portable power banks and basic emergency supplies somewhere you can actually find them in the dark.
If you use a portable generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and operate it outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your home, doors and windows. The California Office of Emergency Services also recommends pointing the generator’s exhaust away from your home and having working carbon monoxide detectors inside.
And never use a male-to-male extension cord to connect a generator to a wall outlet. This dangerous setup can energize home wiring and create electrocution and fire risks, including potentially sending electricity back onto utility lines. A generator intended to supply a home's electrical system needs an appropriate, code-compliant connection installed by a qualified electrician.
Take Care of the Small Stuff Before It Becomes the Big Stuff
Winter has a way of turning the home repair you've been meaning to get around to into the home repair you suddenly have to deal with.
Walk around your house now. Make a list of the loose, leaky, cracked, sticking and unfinished things you see. Some will be easy DIY projects. Others may be jobs you'd rather hand off.
Have a list of repairs you’ve been meaning to get to? Ace Handyman Services can help you take care of the small jobs around your home before winter weather arrives. From weatherstripping and caulking to fence, gate, drywall and other home repairs, our craftsmen can help get your Bay Area home ready for the season ahead.
Get an estimate today and get those winter projects off your list.
Bay Area El Niño Home Preparation FAQs
What home repairs should I make before El Niño?
Check doors, windows, exterior trim, fences, gates, railings and other areas that could be affected by heavy rain or wind. Pay particular attention to problems you've noticed during previous winters.
How can I prepare my house for heavy rain?
Clear gutters, downspouts and outdoor drains and check for places where water has entered or collected in the past. Repair deteriorating caulk, weatherstripping and other exterior openings before heavy rain arrives.
Can a handyman help prepare my home for winter?
A handyman can handle many common home-maintenance and repair projects, such as weatherstripping, caulking and repairs to doors, fences, gates, drywall and other areas of the home. Projects involving specialized licensed work should be handled by the appropriate qualified professional.
When should I start preparing my Bay Area home for winter?
Before sustained winter rain begins. Dry weather makes it easier to inspect the exterior of your home and take care of repairs before leaks, wind or water turn small problems into urgent ones.