Prepare now for El Nino Rains

Prepare now for El Nino Rains
Experts agree that the toughest time to find solutions to rain-related issues is during a rainstorm.
              
Fix leaks BEFORE it rains:   Recent dry heat may have caused wood structures to shrink and open expansion joints—possibly creating leak points.  Call your roofer to check for trouble spots and repair any old leaks.  Most roof leaks occur at metal flashing connection points, so make sure the flashing is free of debris.  Use your hose to make sure the flashing is directing the water off the roof and into the gutters. 
 
Clean out your gutters and downspouts—and then clean them again:  Clear the debris from gutters and downspouts before the rainy season and then do it again after the first rain.  Also look for any breaks and make sure the gutters are tight against the roofline.  Seal up any holes from cables and other wires that penetrate exterior walls.
 
Invest in a generator:  If you are in a neighborhood susceptible to power outages, consider buying a portable generator or even a permanent  standby generator that immediately kicks in if the power goes out.
 
Install a sump pump:  With enough rain, groundwater ca invate below-grade spaces such as basements and garages even with good drainage systems in place.  If you already have a sump pump, have your plumber service it.
 
Paint the exterior wood trim of your home:  Cracks in paint can carry water directly into the wood and promote dry rot and termite invasion,
 
Examine your window glazing compound:  The persistent hot, dry weather may have caused the glazing compound to shrink and pull away from the glass panes. Check and recaulk as needed. 
 
Check balcony and deck slopes:  Make sure water flows away from the walls and into the drainage system.
 
Do a preemptive strike on any potential ant invasion: If wet weather in the past has sent ants or other bugs scurrying into your home, now is the time to bring in an exterminator
 
Make sure your yard drains properly:   If you’ve substituted impervious hard-scape, rock and decomposed granite for lawn in the last few years, the drainage pattern may have changed.  Consulting an irrigation and drainage specialist can short-circuit any serious problems a heavy storm might cause.
 
Turn off automatic watering systems:  It’s possible you won’t need it until spring.
 
Consider installing rain barrels at downspouts:  Rain barrels are a relatively inexpensive and easy DIY project to capture water coming off your roof for later use.  Make sure you direct any overflow from the barrels away from the house.  In some cities, credits are given for installing rain barrels. 
 
Loosen compacted soil:  Ground that has been allowed to dry out will repel water initially.  Tilling in compost and covering with mulch will enable the ground to better absorb rain.
 
Have materials on hand to divert water:  Sandbags, concrete edgers and straw-waddle tubing can effectively channel water away from structures to drainage areas.
 
For more information go to:
www.floodprepareCA.com (California Department of Water Resources)
www.ready.gov (National Weather Service)
Prepare now for El Nino Rains
Experts agree that the toughest time to find solutions to rain-related issues is during a rainstorm.
              
Fix leaks BEFORE it rains:   Recent dry heat may have caused wood structures to shrink and open expansion joints—possibly creating leak points.  Call your roofer to check for trouble spots and repair any old leaks.  Most roof leaks occur at metal flashing connection points, so make sure the flashing is free of debris.  Use your hose to make sure the flashing is directing the water off the roof and into the gutters. 
 
Clean out your gutters and downspouts—and then clean them again:  Clear the debris from gutters and downspouts before the rainy season and then do it again after the first rain.  Also look for any breaks and make sure the gutters are tight against the roofline.  Seal up any holes from cables and other wires that penetrate exterior walls.
 
Invest in a generator:  If you are in a neighborhood susceptible to power outages, consider buying a portable generator or even a permanent  standby generator that immediately kicks in if the power goes out.
 
Install a sump pump:  With enough rain, groundwater ca invate below-grade spaces such as basements and garages even with good drainage systems in place.  If you already have a sump pump, have your plumber service it.
 
Paint the exterior wood trim of your home:  Cracks in paint can carry water directly into the wood and promote dry rot and termite invasion,
 
Examine your window glazing compound:  The persistent hot, dry weather may have caused the glazing compound to shrink and pull away from the glass panes. Check and recaulk as needed. 
 
Check balcony and deck slopes:  Make sure water flows away from the walls and into the drainage system.
 
Do a preemptive strike on any potential ant invasion: If wet weather in the past has sent ants or other bugs scurrying into your home, now is the time to bring in an exterminator
 
Make sure your yard drains properly:   If you’ve substituted impervious hard-scape, rock and decomposed granite for lawn in the last few years, the drainage pattern may have changed.  Consulting an irrigation and drainage specialist can short-circuit any serious problems a heavy storm might cause.
 
Turn off automatic watering systems:  It’s possible you won’t need it until spring.
 
Consider installing rain barrels at downspouts:  Rain barrels are a relatively inexpensive and easy DIY project to capture water coming off your roof for later use.  Make sure you direct any overflow from the barrels away from the house.  In some cities, credits are given for installing rain barrels. 
 
Loosen compacted soil:  Ground that has been allowed to dry out will repel water initially.  Tilling in compost and covering with mulch will enable the ground to better absorb rain.
 
Have materials on hand to divert water:  Sandbags, concrete edgers and straw-waddle tubing can effectively channel water away from structures to drainage areas.
 
For more information go to:
www.floodprepareCA.com (California Department of Water Resources)
www.ready.gov (National Weather Service)