Month: December 2020

There’s nothing like a beautiful snowfall during the winter season! While it’s undoubtedly an incredible site, lots of snow and ice falling on your roof with nowhere to go can for sure be a nightmare. We’re here to help you be prepared before more snow falls, so you can ensure your roof is well-protected.

Take a look at all the ways snow and ice can negatively impact your roof and home, so you know to be cautious:

Roof Stress

Snow and ice don’t run easily off of your roof as rain does. The added weight and pressure from built-up snow and ice, especially in back to back snowstorms, can cause severe stress and potential damage to your roof. In a worst-case scenario, part of the roof can collapse. Take a look inside at your ceilings to spot any signs of stress such as leaks, tiles falling, etc., and call a professional if you have any concerns.

Ice Dams

If there is enough ice accumulating on the roof, ice dams can form. Ice dams are created from ice and snow melting and flowing down off of the roof and then freezing again right at the edge. Not only can this cause water damage, but ice dams could also potentially destroy your gutters.

Freeze and Thaw Cycle

As the snow and ice thaw and then freeze, often in a repeated cycle, damage can happen quickly. The melted water seeps into any cracks, and then, when the water freezes, those cracks will widen and cause more damage and possibly lead to mold and mildew developing in your living areas.

Icicles

While they may be pretty to look at, those icicles hanging off the sides of your roof can be hazardous. Not only do you have to worry about one falling on you unexpectedly, but forming icicles can be a sign that you have more significant problems at hand, including gutter blockages and roof damage.

Damage From Roof Snow Removal

Having snow removed from a roof is often a necessary step in protecting your home during a heavy snow season, but this is no easy task. Since it’s easy to remove shingles accidentally, make holes or cracks in the roof during removal, it’s best to call in a professional to do the job correctly and safely.

ROOF SNOW REMOVAL IN NORWALK, CT

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help protect your roof and home from the dangers of snow and ice! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more about our services that are here to help your home look and perform its best and keep you safe all winter season long.

The season of snow is here, and that means it’s time to break out the shovels and snow blowers! Those of us in the NorthEast understand what a hassle and physical strain shoveling can be, so it’s important to take the time, plan ahead, and be sure you are safe while out in the snow. While hiring a professional to help you clean up your snow is always the safest option, we’re here to help you if you choose to handle the hard work yourself.

If you decide to take on the task of snow removal, we’re here to help you get through it with these safety tips: 

Safe Snow Shoveling

Grab your shovels and get to work, but be careful because it’s no easy task. Take a moment to be sure you are taking the necessary precautions, so you don’t hurt yourself and are staying as safe as possible while out in the cold:

• Wear layers – Bundle up with layers, gloves, hats, and warm boots before heading outside to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
• Warm-up and stretch – Beforehand, get your muscles ready by doing some light movements and stretching.
• Choose the right shovel – Find a shovel that is ergonomically-designed to help you reduce the amount of bending you have to do. Consider also a light-weight shovel made from plastic rather than metal to lighten the load.
• Push rather than lift – Rather than lift the snow up, push the snow out of the way to reduce strain on your body. 
• Protect your back – If you need to lift the snow, bend your knees, and use your legs when possible rather than bending over and straining your back muscles.
• Take breaks – Listen to your body and pace yourself. Take breaks frequently, especially if the snow is heavy and wet.
• Consider multiple trips – Do your shoveling periodically to avoid strain and exhaustion. 
• Don’t wait too long – Keep up with the snowfall and try to shovel shortly after it snows when the snow is lighter and fluffier. The longer the snow is on the ground, the wetter and heavier it becomes.
• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water while shoveling to keep your energy up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help as well; shoveling is no easy task!

Safe Snow Blowing

If you opt to use a snow blower to help you get rid of all that snow on your property, be sure to follow these safety precautions:

• If the blower jams, turn it off
• Keep your hands away from any moving parts
• Don’t run the snowblower in an enclosed space to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
• Add fuel outdoors while it’s running
• Never leave the snow blower unattended while it’s running

HOME EXTERIOR CARE IN NORWALK, CT

Need help making your home and property look its best? The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help the outside of your home look and perform its best this winter season and all year long! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more. 

Brrrr, it’s getting chilly! During the winter, many of us rely heavily on our heating system to protect us from the frigid outdoor temperatures, but that means costly bills. Luckily, if you take the time to consider why you may be losing heat in your home, you can save money and feel warmer and cozier in your house than ever before all winter long!

These simple tips can help keep the rooms of your home warmer this winter without having to crank up the heat: 

Look For Drafts

Anytime cold air from outside is getting in, you are losing heat. Check all throughout your house for drafts from doors, windows, the attic, or crawl spaces and consider using insulation, weatherstripping, or caulk to seal up and stop the drafts. This will make the biggest difference in keeping your home warm.

Don’t Block Your Heating System

If you have furniture or any other items blocking your heating system, then it’s preventing the hot air from circulating through the room. Consider the layout of your home’s furniture, and be sure nothing is blocking your heating elements.  

Utilize Curtains

Make sure all your home’s curtains are closed completely at night. This will help trap the heat in your home and eliminate drafts from cracks in windows or doors. You can also consider investing in insulating curtains!

Pay Attention To Your Fireplace

An open fireplace can lose up to 20 percent of the warm air in your home alone. Be sure to use a fireplace plug that will seal the flue when not in use. Once the space is closed up, the warm air can’t escape, and you’ll notice a significant change in the temperature of your home.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

While you might not be thinking of turning your ceiling fan on when the temperatures are low, it can actually help warm the room; just make one important change first. Reverse your fan’s rotation direction to push the cool air upward so that it mixes with the rising heat. The mixed air will then start to spread down and therefore warm the room up.

Use Rugs

Rugs not only add style and comfort to a room, but they also keep your feet warm! Throw rugs as well can add more insulation to your home and potentially reduce drafts between floorboards.

Change The Furnace Filter

The most common cause of heating troubles is a dirty filter. Change the furnace filter at the start of the cold weather season to save some energy and get rid of unwanted dust.

Let The Sun Shine

Take advantage of a beautiful and sunny day! Open all the curtains and blinds and let the sunshine naturally heat your home. Even on cold days, the warm rays will make a difference.

HOME EXTERIOR CARE IN NORWALK, CT

Need help making your home and property look its best? The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help the outside of your home look and perform its best this winter season and all year long! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more. 

Colder days are just ahead, and before you know it, you’ll be swapping out your lawn mower and rake for snow blowers and shovels. And as we begin to feel the shift from fall to winter, there are several steps you need to take to ensure that your lawn can make it through.

With the right and somewhat minimal care, you can ensure that once the last bit of snow is melted and gone, your lawn will be ready to tackle spring with ease. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

3 Steps to Take for Winter Lawn Success

1. Keep Your Lawn Clean and Clear

From those leftover fallen leaves to branches and trees left from a windy storm, keeping up with cleaning little by little can make it less time-consuming in the long run. Now it might seem like a minor task and something that you can neglect, but doing so can leave your lawn smothered and damaged. 

If you leave a lawn covered in leaves and branches, and the first snowfall hits, it could be hard to see and lead to a trip or fall. So please make an effort to keep it clean continuously. Not to mention, a debris-covered lawn can lead to unwanted pests and insects. 

2. Change Your Mowing Habits

Your last few mows should be a bit shorter to help it last through the season. Lower your mower by a notch or so your previous few mows. You want to make sure you’re not cutting it so low that you’re exposing the crown of it to the harsh winter weather ahead. While you’re at it, don’t forget to aerate before the season hits too. 

3. Consider Safer Snow Removal

Connecticut homeowners know that snowfall can come quickly and somewhat unexpectedly, leaving us to scramble to prepare. Though you might rely on the shoveling and salt, did you know that you could be doing damage to your lawn in the process? That’s because salt and deicers have chemicals that could lead your grass to damage and disease. So as you salt walkways and driveways, be sure to keep it as far from the grass as possible. 

HOME EXTERIOR CARE IN NORWALK, CT

Need help making your home and property look its best? The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help your home’s exterior look and perform its best this fall season and all year long! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.