Handyman On The Sand Windy Days
By Gina Dostler
Seasonal weather change is upon us, bringing high winds and rain. While chances of Indian summer heat are still likely, it will soon abate and leave us to the coastal evening chills and short days. Jeff Williams of Newport Beach’s Handyman on the Sand says it’s the perfect time to seek telltale signs around the home that require maintenance before wind and rain cause damage. A simple fix can prevent a big loss of time and money in inclement weather.
Q: High winds can take homeowners by surprise. Any advice?
A: It is that time for the Santa Ana’s to announce their seasonal debut. Though the most damage they usually do is throw umbrellas around or knock off screens, there are times where certain situations are aggravated by the high winds. Water spouts can get knocked off with things blowing around or pools get filled with debris that can clog up filters and burn out their motors. And even tree branches can spearhead into a window.
Q: Winter is coming so that means rain for us. I take it roofs are on that list of home care.
A: Rain can find its way through the tiniest cracks, so weatherproofing the home is essential. Having an older roof inspected for potential leaks can save money and time. After a rainstorm where the wind can actually push the rain “up” under the shingles into tiny cracks or holes can lead to stains on drywall, mold and inconveniences. Sometimes after a storm due to high volume of needed repairs, it could be the roof cannot get fixed right away and water damage continues with the damp weather. Being proactive can save you both time and money.
Q: Any other roof issues?
A: Often overlooked are the gutters that catch the rain. The wind will scatter the leaves and debris on roofs and the gutters can become clogged. Soaked leaves and standing water can create mold. And during a hot spell, mosquitoes can breed. Having the gutters cleaned alleviates problems later on. Also once again, wind mixed with rain is the main cause of water intrusion. Go around the outside of the home and find potential areas where wind can push the water inside and fix them right away. Certain areas of the house get hammered by sun, wind and rain and can cause cracks and fissures, easy to fix when small, but left as is can cause more damage.
Q: How about dust in the wind and its potential to creep into the homes?
A: If you stand by a closed window and you can feel or even hear the wind whistling through it, it needs to be weatherproofed. Besides allowing in dust and pollen, it brings the energy efficiency down by letting in the hot and cold elements. If someone has an older home with single pane windows, they might consider getting double pane ones for more energy efficiency in the home. Getting new windows are relatively inexpensive these days and with lower utility bills, they soon pay for themselves. And when looking at doors leading outside and you observe light creeping out of the bottom, this lets you know wind and water can seep in and weather stripping needs to be applied. Again, money on your utilities can be saved with a simple fix.
Q: Any other areas to consider for the seasonal change?
A: Having an arborist come in and address top-heavy trees or root rot might be a good idea with the high winds blowing in. Many trees have a shallow root system and if unhealthy, can easily be uprooted and crash into a car or home. Dead palm fronds that accumulate can be flung off into places you really don’t want. And they are actually bigger and heavier than you think. Trimming off dead limbs from trees is a good idea and again it’s a proactive approach to maintenance.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jeff Williams
Handyman On The Sand
949-370-0503
www.HandyManOnTheSand.com
