By Dave Murnen
and Pat Beaty
It seems like it was just yesterday that we were giving you a list of “end of summer” chores. But with the turn in the weather and the page of the calendar, it is now clearly fall.
So, we’ve compiled a few chores especially suited for this time of year to get you prepared for the coming rain, wind and cold.
BUT BEFORE WE GET THERE
Our last three columns were all about flooding and the exciting things that are on the horizon for Aberdeen and Hoquiam as we work together to develop solutions to our flood zone designation.
The North Shore Levee Project is addressing flooding threats from the ocean tides and rivers overflowing their banks. The TimberWorks Plan addresses the nearly annual flooding caused by lots of rain coming out of the sky – remember Jan. 5, 2015?
So whether the source is from the bay, rivers, super-clouds or swollen creeks, we will soon be making changes that will make a big storm water capacity difference for our community.
And, some of the solutions – such as new pumps and larger pipes – we should be seeing fairly soon.
OLD SYSTEM OR NEW
However, no matter if we’re working with the current setup or a brand new one, if water can’t get into the storm drain system it won’t be safely stored in a retention area like Franklin Field or even drained or pumped out of the areas that tend to flood!
Grates blocked by leaves, plastic sacks and paper are the number one source of huge puddles forming and connecting into an eventual flood situation. When it starts, driving becomes treacherous and street parking impossible and darn annoying.
Not long after that, water is under or in our houses and garages. And guess what? The tide is either coming in to make things worse or going out without taking the floodwater with it – all because the water can’t get into the storm drains in the streets!
BUT THERE IS A SOLUTION
If each of us shares the adoption of a storm drain or two near our house or somewhere you know is a problem, and regularly clear them, it will make a big impact to the area’s flooding from these and other sources.
The same is true in the surrounding hill neighborhoods. Plugged storm drains in these areas allow the water to run-off the hills into the flood-prone areas below instead of into the pipes intended to convey the water to the bay. We all can do a little bit to make sure the water goes into the storm system – old or new – making huge changes to an increasing problem.
NOW BACK TO THE CHORE LIST
We are constantly asked for “To Do’s” at every season. Here are a few chores you should incorporate in your To Do list for the next couple weeks or until the leaves are done falling. Doing so will help ensure a better, smoother fall and winter for you – and your house!
AUTUMN TO-DO LIST
· Put away all the yard furniture, ladders and anything that can blow away or be ruined by wind and rain.
· Check windows and doors for cracked or crumbling caulk. Invest in a 35-year paintable caulk so you don’t have to do this chore again soon. Take a wet finger to smooth the caulk lines.
• Protect under-house or exposed water pipes with pipe sleeves or insulation.
• Check the dryer’s vent flapper and screen for lint build-up. Does the flapper door work properly? This can be a secret passage for critters!
• Check all outside lights. With days getting darker earlier, it’s a safety issue to have them in working order. Consider converting to LED lighting.
• Change the self-closer on your screen door to the winter setting. This will close the door more quickly and help prevent a wind-damaged door – and cold air from coming into your house.
• Lubricate your door hinges and locks with silicone spray.
• Cut vegetation back from your house. Doing so will help prevent mold and mildew which can gnaw away at the integrity of your home.
• Do you have moss or other vegetation growing on your roof? Now’s the time to tend to that. Powdered “Moss-Off” will kill and prevent future growth for a year or so.
• Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Examine roof penetrations and flashings. Call a roofer or handyman if needed.
• Make sure your chimney is clear of bird nests and soot. Call a chimney cleaner if you need to.
• Clean the leaf screens in your gutters and water test both gutters and downspouts.
• Place splash blocks or pipe extensions at each downspout. They help convey the rainwater away from your foundation or basement. They should be at least two feet from the foundation, but 10 feet is better.
• Clean out any driveway drain boxes and make sure they drain properly. Adding a mesh screen helps keep debris out of the system.
MORE CHORES TO COME!
Well, that should keep you busy for at least a week or two. Next week we’ll have a couple more areas to examine, before considering your house buttoned up for the season.
Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks® of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is the executive director. This is a non-profit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County.
Do you have questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or becoming a homeowner? Like us on Facebook! Call us at 533-7828, write us or visit us at 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.
