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Have you Considered your Rain Gutters Lately

Dustin Edwards • August 1, 2022

Rain Gutters Help Prevent Damages To Your Rental Property

When was the last time you thought about your rain gutters? While it's understandable that rain gutters may slip your mind during our current rain drought, it's important to make sure they are in proper working condition before the rain begins to fall.


Gutters serve an extraordinary function in any home, especially rentals as proper redirection of rain water can mitigate thousands of dollars in repairs that can be caused from rainfall.


Luckily there are many options for
rain gutters in Long Beach, from professional installation to DIY (do it yourself) friendly systems. Below are options and solutions for inspecting and replacing your rain gutters.


Inspecting Your Rain Gutters

Even with routine maintenance, it's always a good idea to inspect your rain gutters for leaks. Walk around your Long Beach rental property and visually inspect the gutters, keep an eye out for any cracks or gaps present in the gutters. If it passes the visual test, you should consider running water through the gutter system to test for leaks. 


Before you start make sure you’ve cleaned the gutters from leaves, debris or the occasional bird nest. Once cleaned from debris simply take your water hose and secure it, you don't want the water pressure to move it. After the hose is secure, turn on the water and give the rain gutters another visual inspection. Keep doing this until you have tested the entirety of the gutter system, with some luck you’ll have no leaks. Or alternatively if you are unable to properly inspect them, contact a rain gutter specialist to inspect it for you. 


If leaks are present, take note of the location and how much water leaks. There are times when you can go to a hardware store and buy a rain gutter to replace the broken section. If it is evident that you’ll need to replace the whole system there are options to do the work yourself or you could hire professionals.


Why are Rain Gutters Important?

Rain gutters play an important role in diverting rainwater away from your rental property. If they are leaking, or your rental doesn’t have rain gutters you can be putting your property at risk of water damage. Water damage can be a problem before you realize it, uncontrolled water can creep into the walls causing structural damage to the foundation of the home. Water damage to wall studs and internal walls, humidity in walls makes a perfect breeding ground for mold which can cause your tenants to have health problems.


Installing Rain Gutters to Help Protect Your Rental

If after your inspection you decide it's time to replace your rain gutter system there are plenty of options out there to fit your needs.


A popular option right now are seamless rain gutters. Seamless rain gutters use a single continuous piece of metal gutter typically made from aluminum but are also offered in copper. Since the gutters are a single piece, they are more rigid and reliable than sectioned gutters. And since there are no seams, there are fewer points of failure making leaks essentially eliminated. Depending on the linear footage of your home, the complexity of your roof and how many downpipes are necessary, prices can range from $1,000 to $5,000.


If you prefer the DIY option, rain gutter replacement isn’t considered a difficult job. Though you may be limited by what's available at your home improvement store. They usually carry 8ft or 10ft  lengths of gutter made of
aluminum or vinyl meaning you’ll have to put together your gutter system with the prefabricated lengths. And every 40 feet you’ll need a downspout that matches your gutter material and whatever necessary connectors.


We may be in a drought now, but you don’t want to be caught off guard and risk water damage. If you need help repairing your rain gutters or want to install seamless rain gutters call us at (562) 888-0247 or feel free to fill out our
free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.


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By Dustin Edwards November 18, 2024
Be aware of these 3 common issues when the rainy season arrives at your rental property.
Cold weather can come fast and strong so it's best to ensure your property is ready for this climate
By Dustin Edwards November 12, 2024
It's important to prepare your rental properties for the colder weather. Although we don’t need to prepare for snow and freezing temperatures, we do need to prepare for the cold and rain. By ensuring your rental is cozy inside and prepared for the fall season , you can not only reduce energy costs for your tenant but also maintain your rental property value. Today, we’ll go over three signs your property is ready for this upcoming cold weather.  Sign #1 Proper Weatherproofing During the colder seasons, it's much easier for a tenant to notice any cold spots in your rental. Well-insulated doors and windows can not only help maintain the warm temperature but also prevent it from lowering. It can also prevent cold spots and drafts, which can help with tenant satisfaction . Doors and windows should be properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and maintain proper temperatures. A visual inspection of the weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure they’re intact is a great place to start. If damaged, consider replacing them, as trying to seal gaps can be tricky and rarely lasts. Other seals should also be checked, as well as any areas that need to be caulked in order to keep cold air out. Insulation during the summer helps keep the cool air in, and during the winter, insulation in the halls and attics helps retain desired heat. Hot air rises, and if there isn't adequate insulation in the ceiling, heat will continually be lost. Luckily, adding insulation to an attic is not uncommon and typically only requires a day or two for installation. Sign #2 Energy Efficiency Measures During the winter, it's not just the cold you need to keep in mind. As days are much shorter, there is less sunlight to keep the rental warm and more hours of darkness. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind when preparing for the cold weather. Energy-efficient lighting or smart lighting helps reduce overall costs since your tenant will likely use electricity to keep warm. Ensure your outdoor lighting is rated for external use, as this can provide crucial illumination during longer nights. Draft guards on doors and windows help reduce the load on your rental’s HVAC system which can significantly improve its lifespan. This is also a great time to replace filters and clean the ductwork in your rental to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, consider installing an insulative film on older windows, which helps retain heat and keep rooms warmer without the need for extra heating. If your rental has a programmable thermostat, ensure it’s in working order, as this can help tenants manage an energy-efficient heating schedule more easily. Sign #3 Property Exterior Southern California is a great place to settle down, and while we don't need to worry about snowfall or deep freezes, ensuring the exterior of your rental property is ready for the cold weather is important. With our cold season mainly bringing with it rain, inspect your rental property’s rain gutter system . Remove debris from drains and check for leaks or signs of wear and tear. Walkways should be clear of debris and well-lit. This may require you to prune and trim trees and bushes that may leave behind leaves. When combined with rainfall, a single wet leaf can cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. Consider adding non-slip mats or tape to areas where people may have tripped in the past. Much like during the hotter weather, it's important for your rental to be ready for fall and winter. By keeping your property ready for any weather Southern California has to offer, you ensure your rental property and tenants will provide steady rental income every month. If you need help preparing your rental for the cold weather or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards November 4, 2024
Owning a rental property in a beach city like Long Beach, CA , offers a number of advantages, like great weather and a strong real estate market. However, the cold ocean breezes can pose some challenges for landlords and tenants, making it convenient for property managers . Although the weather is generally great, these ocean breezes can sometimes make properties drafty and uncomfortable during the fall and winter seasons. Today we’ll go over four measures that can improve tenant comfort and protect your investment from the cold ocean breezes. Weatherproofing Againsts Drafts Drafts are caused by gaps between doors and windows which can make a rental feel colder than it is. This leads to unnecessary energy use and tenant discomfort. Sealing these gaps is not difficult and quite doable for a landlord who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Replacing worn weatherstripping and adding fresh caulking to seal minor gaps blocks air from permeating the property. For additional protection from drafts, you can provide your tenant with inexpensive door sweeps. Improve Heating Efficiency Having efficient heating is crucial to countering the cooler ocean breezes while keeping costs low. Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system , such as replacing filters, cleaning vents, and cleaning the compressor to keep it running smoothly. This not only provides more efficient heating, it also extends the life of your HVAC system. Installing a smart thermostat is another way for tenants to adjust heating schedules efficiently. Protect Outdoor Spaces Outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, and even porches can oftentimes be exposed to the coastal breezes. This can be an issue in the long run, especially for rentals next to the beach , as the wind can carry sand and salt, which can accelerate the deterioration of metals, wood, and paint. This can be mitigated by adding windbreaks to the property, such as lattice panels or outdoor curtains, to create a more comfortable and functional outdoor space. Exterior finishes will require more frequent maintenance. This includes resealing wood and metal surfaces. As well as repainting is important to protect against wear from salt, sand, and moisture. Wind Mitigating Landscaping Much like with the curtains and lattice previously talked about, the landscaping can also be used as a windbreak. For example, planting wind-resistant shrubs or trees alongside exposed areas creates a natural barrier. This helps reduce the impact of the gusts of wind hitting the property. Many native plants thrive in coastal climates while also requiring minimal maintenance. While expensive, the results can greatly improve your rental’s longevity and curb appeal. Alternatively, you can strategically place planters to provide protection. Durable Furniture Furniture and fixtures exposed to the cold coastal breezes need to be able to withstand that wear and tear. Choose resilient materials such as treated wood, powder-coated metals, and outdoor-rated plastics. These are less prone to being damaged by the salt or wind. Furniture that is lightweight should be secured or anchored in place to prevent it from being blown away. By investing in durable furnishing, you can provide tenants with a comfortable and functional outdoor space for years to come. Protecting your beach city property from the cold ocean breeze doesn't necessarily require extensive renovations or investments. Try to focus on any relevant feedback from your tenant, this can help you pinpoint what part of your rental needs attention. If you need additional help protecting your rental property from the cold ocean breezes or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
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