The Rainy-Season Checklist — FOUND COLLECTIVE

Roof

Look for pooling water, cracks, lifted seams or damaged areas

Check flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys

Clear leaves and debris from flat or low-slope roofs

Trim branches touching or hanging directly over the roof

Clean gutters and downspouts

Clear exterior and yard drains

Make sure downspouts are actually carrying water away from the house

Check for low spots where water collects against the foundation

No gutters? Make sure runoff still has somewhere to go—a gravel drainage strip, swale or other simple drainage solution can help

Check weatherstripping around exterior doors

Look for gaps or deteriorated caulking around windows

Check door thresholds, especially anywhere you've had water intrusion before

Clear leaves and debris away from drains and the foundation

Test sump pumps or drainage pumps, if you have them

Check retaining walls and hillside drainage for blocked outlets

Bring in or secure anything outside that shouldn't sit through heavy rain

Walk the property once while it's raining

Watch where the water actually goes

Photograph any pooling or drainage problems so they're easier to address later

If something looks questionable, deal with it before the next storm—not after it becomes a leak