Blog Post

Rain Gutters for Your Long Beach Rental

Dustin Edwards • June 25, 2020

Rain Gutters can Protect Your Property and Improve Aesthetics

Rain Gutter with Leaf
Water is one of the natural elements that can cause quite a bit of damage in a very short period of time. There is a reason that the city codes take into account not only the slope of your driveway to the street but also take into consideration rain gutters for your property. While many Southern California’s give little thought to how we handle the rains (after all we aren’t Seattle) the reality is that having a great gutter system can save you from costly repairs.

A proper rain gutter system can help to protect the eaves on your home, avoid pools of water near your foundation, contribute to nicer living conditions and can even add to the aesthetics of your property. 

Prefabricated Rain Gutter
Prefabricated rain gutters are the types you most commonly see at Home Depot and Lowe’s. You can piece together your rain gutter system by purchasing 10’ sections of gutters and the supporting connecting components, downspouts, etc. These systems are great because they are the most cost effective. Even though it could be tempting to complete this work on your own we would recommend having a professional installation of even the prefabricated rain gutters as cutting to proper lengths and ensuring you have tight connections is a skill that is developed over years of diligence.

Seamless Rain Gutter
A seamless rain gutter gives you the added advantage of minimizing the points of failure. A machine is brought onsite to develop gutter lengths that align to your property. Whereas the prefabricated pieces come in 10’ft lengths you can get up to 50’ lengths (unusual to need that long) with a seamless rain gutter. Minimizing the connection points allows you to minimize the points of failure in a gutter system.

Aesthetics
While not as common, when you are completing gutters for your rental, it is still possible to implement a gutter system that is a design element for your property. In areas of Long Beach such as Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, or Bixby Knolls you can find wonderful examples of rain gutters that help to further enhance the architecture of the home. Whether it be a Spanish Style home or a Craftsman the use of copper gutters is often looked at as a design element and can help set apart the property from the competition. Combine a copper seamless rain gutter with an innovative downspout and you just might get a tenant who doesn’t want to leave. Keep in mind that generally copper is looked at as the most expensive to install, but it can last up to 50 years which just might make it a great investment for your property.

Cost
As with any feature on a rental property there is a cost to protect your property with rain gutters. You certainly could install your own gutters, but as is the case with many of our property owners we realize that outsourcing to a professional is often what is the most efficient. Should you decide on going with seamless gutters you can expect prices for aluminum to be around $11 a foot, Copper at $25 ft, steel at $13 a foot and vinyl at $7 a foot. There can be additional charges for two-story homes and removal of existing rain gutters if present. On average you can be prepared to spend in the range of $1,500-$2,500 for a typical property.

Protecting your investment with a rain gutter system is a great way to keep your property happily rented for years to come. When you want to find out how we could help find the best tenant who just might appreciate your passion for rain gutters we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247. If you want to have a quick check to see how much your property could fetch in rent we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis where we perform a comprehensive comparison to share your rental stacks up to the competition.

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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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