Well, we need the rain, and it will be here before we know it. El Nino is coming, and with it, torrential rains which can wreak havoc on your home; unless you do these 5 things:
1. Clean Out Rain Gutters - the most important thing you can do to protect your home is to clean out the gutters so the water has somewhere to flow, besides down into your walls. While you're up there, make sure there are no tears or breaks in the gutters and that they're right up against the roofline. Think about adding rain barrels to catch the rainwater for future use.
2. Clear storm drains - Leaves and other debris can quickly gather on the ground and block the storm drains as running water flows to the drain. Clearing them out now will save you a lot of headaches, and sandbags.
3. Make sure your yard drains properly - If you've made changes in the materials used in your yard, (pavers and rock instead of lawn) in the last few years, the drainage pattern in your yard may have changed. Water that used to percolate through spongy grass will now flow into different areas. Landscape architect and USC professor Bob Perry advises placing 3-4 inches of organic mulch in beds and areas where water will drain or collect.
4. 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. We've got some great mulch and compost available to help you out.
5. Cover or put away patio furniture and BBQs - you don't want this stuff flying around during a storm and potentially causing damage to your home.
Doing these five things will help give you some peace of mind. When the rain starts, sit down, relax, and enjoy it.
1. Clean Out Rain Gutters - the most important thing you can do to protect your home is to clean out the gutters so the water has somewhere to flow, besides down into your walls. While you're up there, make sure there are no tears or breaks in the gutters and that they're right up against the roofline. Think about adding rain barrels to catch the rainwater for future use.
2. Clear storm drains - Leaves and other debris can quickly gather on the ground and block the storm drains as running water flows to the drain. Clearing them out now will save you a lot of headaches, and sandbags.
3. Make sure your yard drains properly - If you've made changes in the materials used in your yard, (pavers and rock instead of lawn) in the last few years, the drainage pattern in your yard may have changed. Water that used to percolate through spongy grass will now flow into different areas. Landscape architect and USC professor Bob Perry advises placing 3-4 inches of organic mulch in beds and areas where water will drain or collect.
4. 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. We've got some great mulch and compost available to help you out.
5. Cover or put away patio furniture and BBQs - you don't want this stuff flying around during a storm and potentially causing damage to your home.
Doing these five things will help give you some peace of mind. When the rain starts, sit down, relax, and enjoy it.
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