July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Is Your Home Ready For Winter?:

As the rainy season is about to begin, it’s a good time to think about home maintenance issues. Since many of the most difficult and costly problems to resolve are water-related, the following actions may result in considerable savings.

If mold, for example, grows as a natural consequence of moisture accumulation in an attic or wall space, it may substantially spread undetected. During the past year alone, many local owners have had remediation and repair costs between $5,000 to more than $50,000. Another example is, if dry rot begins in exposed and unsealed wood beams, it could result in thousands of dollars of wood repairs.

To prepare for the winter season:

• Have your roof inspected. There may be worn or loose shingles, exposed flashings, gaps in vent caulking, inadequately sealed skylights, cracked or missing tiles, or other deteriorating materials.

• Clean all gutters and downspouts now. If rainwater has nowhere to go, and these systems overflow, it can create problems in adjacent roofing materials, walls, or around foundations.

• How is the drainage around your home? Does rain or sprinkler water run freely, or is it directed away from the house on all sides? Could any exterior vents or cracks allow for water seepage?

• Do downspouts dump water at the base of the foundation, or does the water go directly into underground pipes that carry it to the street?

• Does your chimney have a water cap? If not, rain will fall directly into the opening and may get into cracks between mortar joints. By the way, have you had your chimney cleaned recently?

• Check out the weather-stripping around doors and window openings, holes made in walls for new cable and telephone wires, seals around air conditioners installed on the roof or in walls.

• While considering water-related issues, have you recently checked under all counters and cabinets where sinks are installed? There may be small leaks or drips, which can easily be repaired before mold has a chance to grow.

• Be sure to check the caulking around sinks, shower faucets and enclosures, and where tile meets the tub. Caulking helps keep water from getting into walls, cabinets, etc., and causing damage.

• Have you had a pest control/termite inspection in the last year or two? If not, the cost is nominal and they will check attic and under-house areas for dry-rot or other wood-destroying organisms, besides looking for termites and noting if water-related problems could be affecting the house under showers, etc.

• If you have had a satellite dish installed in the last few years, check to see that the holes that were made in your roof or walls to secure the unit were properly sealed. Water will easily flow into the smallest gap or hole!

In preparing for winter, get your heating system serviced. Furnaces should be inspected to ensure that they are safe to operate, and regular maintenance can save money on your utility bills.

Michael Edlen has helped more than 1,000 clients achieve their real estate goals since 1986. More tips and information are available on MichaelEdlen.com. He can be reached at 310.230.7373 or via email at Michael@MichaelEdlen.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...