When most homeowners think about protecting their home from water damage, they think about their roof. But there is a second system that works alongside your roof to keep water away from your home and it is one that gets overlooked until something goes seriously wrong. Here is why your gutter system is just as critical as the roof above it.

Every fall, homeowners across Hollister and San Benito County ask the same question: is my roof ready for the rain? After months of dry California heat, your roof has taken a beating — and the transition into the wet season is when small problems become expensive surprises. Here is what to check before the rains arrive.

Most homeowners discover they have a roof problem one of two ways; they see a water stain on the ceiling, or water is actively dripping inside. By that point, the damage is already done and the repair bill is much higher than it needed to be. A failing roof almost always gives you warning signs first. Here are the 7 most common ones we see across Hollister and San Benito County.