July 18, 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

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...