Our wet, windy season is here, and it’s much easier to check your house now than on a dark, stormy night. A few hours of prep can save you real money and stress. Here’s what I’d do, in order.
1. Check the roof, and don’t pressure wash it
Look from the ground (binoculars help) for cracked, curled or missing shingles and flashing that’s lifted or damaged.
Blow the debris off, don’t pressure wash. A leaf blower or soft broom clears needles and leaves. Pressure washing can strip the granules off shingles decreasing roof life and force water under them.
Don’t climb a wet or steep roof. If you’re not comfortable, hire a roofer for an inspection.
2. Clean the gutters twice
Clean them now, then again in mid-November once most of the leaves have blown down. Clogged gutters overflow and push water down walls and toward your foundation.
3. Walk the yard for things that can blow around
Wind turns loose items into projectiles. Secure or store patio furniture, umbrellas, grills, trash cans, trampolines, planters, kids’ toys and tarps. They can be damaged, or damage your house, a car or a neighbor’s property.
4. If you have dogs, walk the fence perimeter now
Do it before the weather turns nasty and you won’t want to go out. Look for loose or broken boards, gaps, spots where a dog has been digging, and gates that don’t latch. A storm can also knock a fence panel loose, so check again afterward.
5. Make sure water migrates away from the foundation
When the rain comes, watch where it goes. Downspouts should discharge several feet from the house, and the ground should slope away from the foundation. Clear yard drains and catch basins of leaves. If you see water pooling near the house, fix it before it gets worse and causes a real problem.
6. Look at your trees with fresh eyes
The November 2024 bomb cyclone knocked down trees all around the Puget Sound region, sadly killing two people. Trees fell in Issaquah, Bellevue and Sammamish, among other places. That storm cleared out many weaker trees, but it also changed how wind moves through our neighborhoods. fox13seattlefox13seattle
Look for new wind paths. With trees gone, the ones still standing may have lost their shelter and take the wind harder.
Check tree health. Look for dead or hanging branches, leaning trunks, cracks, mushrooms at the base, or roots lifting the soil.
Call an ISA-certified arborist for any large tree near the house, power lines or a fence.
7. Check the outside lighting
Walk around at dusk and make sure every bulb works: entry, walkways, steps, garage and motion lights. Good lighting helps you move safely when the power flickers or the weather turns. Keep flashlights and spare batteries handy.
A few more quick ones
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Know where your main water shutoff is.
Never run a generator indoors or in a garage.
Review your homeowners policy and know or ask what’s covered.
Why this matters if you’re selling
Many sellers are getting ready to list in January. Roofs, gutters, drainage and trees are exactly what buyers and inspectors notice, especially in the rain. Fixing them now means fewer surprises later.
Questions, or thinking about buying or selling? Call or text me at 206-931-8706.
General information only. For specific concerns, consult a licensed roofer, arborist or insurance agent.
© 2026 Fletch Newland Real Estate – Spire One Realty – Mount Lake Terrace, WA.