It has been somewhat of a mild start to our winter season here in Fairfield County this December as we look towards 2016. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, it may take a turn for the worst sooner than later. The freezing temperatures are right around the corner, and now is the time to start thinking preparation. Before you know it, the flakes will start falling, accumulating and it may be too late to create the proper drainage to keep your property dry throughout the winter months.
There are several things to consider when preparing your property for the long Connecticut winter ahead. First, you’ll want to make sure your roof can properly drain water efficiently. As snow builds up and eventually melts, this can easily accumulate and clog up gutters causing ice dams. An ice dam is a term used when ice builds up on a roof and in the gutters. This will trap the water, causing it to find a different route to drain and may cause water damage to the building and its contents if the water leaks through the roof. This can be prevented by making sure your home heating system has proper ventilation and doesn’t trap the heat under your roof. Also, make sure your gutters are clear and free of leaf build up to allow a smooth flow for the water.
Secondly, you’ll want to make sure your home’s foundation can properly drain these large amounts of water to prevent flooding and leaks in the basement. A wet basement can not only be troublesome, but can be hazardous to your health. The melting snow and rain will eventually find its way to the ground due to a little thing we call gravity. Preparing your landscape to properly direct this flow in and around the ground surface can be one of the most essential components of keeping your home safe and dry this winter. There are many solutions to properly prevent your home from being vulnerable to water damage, and CT Landscape Design is here to help!
We all know you can’t control the rugged New England weather, but you can surely be ready for it. Preparing your landscape, roof, and gutters before the snow falls will save a lot of headaches this winter. Whether it is clearing ice dams, creating proper drainage for your property, or any other excavation needs to help you during this year’s “El Nino” winter, CT Landscape Design has a team of highly trained professionals to get the job done right!