Prepare Home Now to Weather Winter Storms

If meteorologists’ predictions are correct, warm El Nin~o ocean currents heading our way will produce one of the wettest rainy seasons in decades.

Experts warn of a winter storm pattern heavier than that of 1982-’83, which destroyed the Santa Monica Pier and wreaked havoc throughout the Southland.

Governmental agencies are heeding the warning by clearing flood basins, training emergency personnel for flood rescues and distributing sandbags in flood-prone areas.

Even if the predictions of “the winter of the century” do not materialize, homeowners should prepare for the coming rains this year and every year by taking the following steps:

* Cut back tree limbs that could come in contact with the roof or eaves during windy conditions and cut back vines that touch the roof surface. High winds pushing tree limbs into a house can damage the roof, and vines can grow under roof surfaces, causing a leak.

* Keep leaves and debris off the roof. Debris lodged in areas that water would drain through can cause a damming affect that may result in a leak. Sweep debris out of “valleys,” from behind chimneys and especially away from drains on any flat roof. Check the roof every three to four weeks during the winter or after a major storm for further accumulation.

* Clean gutters and downspouts of accumulated leaves and debris during the fall and recheck them several times during the winter.

* Inspect gutters and downspouts for leaks by running a hose into them and watching for proper runoff. Patch any small holes found by cleaning the inside area with a wire brush and sealing with gutter cement, available at most hardware stores and home centers.

* If you have a flat roof with drain holes, install quarter-inch “hardware cloth” mesh (available from building suppliers) over the drains to keep debris from clogging them. Form a dome with the material over the drain opening and wedge it into place.

* Inspect the roof for cracks or openings of any kind. Pay close attention to areas where vents or flashings come through the roof surface or where joints exist, as these are places where leaks are most likely to occur. Small cracks up to one-quarter-inch wide can be easily sealed using silicone sealant, available from a number of makers in cartridges for a caulking gun at most hardware or paint dealers. Larger gaps can be repaired with roofing cement, such as Henry’s No. 204 or No. 208. Follow the instructions on the containers.

* When inspecting the roof, check for missing or damaged shingles or tile. These can be replaced by carefully sliding a new one into position, taking care not to tear the roof paper below in the process. Many building suppliers sell painted “tin” shingles designed for this purpose; they are often easier to work with than regular shingles. Cracks in tiles can sometimes be sealed with clear silicone sealant or roofing cement to protect the waterproof membrane below them from weathering.

* Check for cracks or breaks in vertical wall surfaces or painted trim above the roof line (e.g. a second-story wall above a first-story roof). Leaks from these areas are often mistaken for roof leaks. Repaint or seal any cracks with caulking material.

* Take a close look at all your windows and wood trim around the home. If cracks in the paint or between surfaces are evident, seal them by repainting or caulking before they become they begin to leak.

* Inspect area drains around your property for clogs or damage. Run a garden hose full force into each drain to ensure proper flow. If you discover a blockage, you may have to contact a drain cleaning company to help you clear it.

* If you have a sump pump system in the basement or elsewhere, take time to clean the pit and test its operation by filling the system with a garden hose. Make needed repairs.

Generally, keeping wet weather where it belongs--outside--is largely a matter of close observation and common sense.

If you see an area on the surface of the roof or around the house that looks as though water could penetrate, take care of it. You will not only gain many more years of life from your roof and waterproofing systems, you will also help avoid the agony of dealing with a water problem during a deluge when getting help will be like paddling upstream in a flash flood.

Gary Abrams is a licensed general contractor who has written about home improvement and maintenance issues for The Times for eight years.