As it appears the atmospheric river has once again found its way back to SoCal, it is time to outfit your home for winter rains.

Water damage is the No. 1 culprit that can weaken your home’s foundation and cause serious structural damage. Damp wood invites termites and ants and can cause mold and mildew.

We have been living in drought conditions for so long it is easy to forget the damage heavy rainfall can do to property.

Prevent water damage and have peace of mind when the rains come with these simple home maintenance strategies.

Proper gutter maintenance is the top job. A well designed and installed system of gutters will channel water away from the foundation and protect the structural integrity of your property. To do their job properly, gutters need to be regularly cleaned and free of clogs, holes, and sags.

Clogged gutters are the most common problem for homeowners. Left untended, gutters and downspouts fill with debris and become useless. The excess weight of leaves, twigs and standing water will make them sag and pull away from the roof fascia. Gutters may also develop leaks or holes, or be improperly pitched toward the downspouts.

Get out and take a look at how the water is flowing through your gutters and downspouts during the next heavy rain to see if they are doing the job.

Ensure that downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your house. Runoff can be directed to a specifically designed pervious area like a rain garden, lawn, mulched shrub bed or other planted area.

During a half-inch rain event, a 1,200 square-foot roof will produce more than 750 gallons of water.

Without rain gutters, raised planters up against the house can act as catch basins for roof runoff during heavy rains. Poor drainage in these beds will hold moisture near the foundation that can cause structural problems.

Look for ponding water in areas where the yard or patio does not adequately slope away from the structure.

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora (626) 926-9700 • adrianad@podley.com