Tips from Toby Winter Outdoor Quick Tips
After some really cold temps we've finally received a break with warmer weather which means it's a good time to venture outside and do some inspection work before our next cold snap. About 60% of foundation issues are caused by clogged gutters, broken downspouts, or improper drainage. Now is a good time to make sure those downspouts aren't clogged and draining away from your home. Those ornamental grasses near your home need to be pruned back. They are a fire hazard and should be trimmed now to allow them to grow back next Spring. Do you have ice melter handy? It won't be long before the next cold snap comes upon us. Make sure you pick up some ice melter that is safe for your concrete, pets and carpet next time you're out shopping. Keep a bag handy in your trunk too! Finally, don't forget to check for places where pests like mice can sneak in around the garage or in those big piles of leaves close to the house.
Tips from Toby – Flooding Basements & Proper Drainage
With the heavy amounts of rain we've been having our ground is saturated and many people are cleaning up flooded basements. In this week's tip we show you the essentials to make sure that water is properly draining away from your home and the things you can do to help. Before you pay big $$$$ to a foundation company to fix that flooded basement, watch this tip. You may be surprised at where some of that water is coming from and the inexpensive things you can do to keep water from coming into your home.
Tips from Toby – Quick Winter Outdoor Tasks
It's been awfully dry and that can lead to some expansion and contraction of our home and soil. About 60% of foundation issues are caused by clogged gutters, broken downspouts, or improper drainage. Now is a good time to make sure those downspouts aren't clogged and draining away from your home. Those ornamental grasses near your home need to be pruned back. They are a fire hazard and should be trimmed now to allow them to grow back next Spring. Do you have ice melter handy? It won't be long before the next Polar Vortex comes upon us. Make sure you pick up some ice melter that is safe for your concrete, pets and carpet next time you're out shopping. Keep a bag handy in your trunk too!
Snow & Ice Damage
It's been one of the biggest snowstorms in many years and while many of us have cleaned off our driveways and walks the true damage to our homes is just beginning. As the snow melts it can cause ice dams that tear gutters right off the house or flood water back into your home. Shrubs and trees are under stress from the weight of the snow and that ice melter might be cracking your drive and walkways. In this weeks tip we show you the easy things you can do to keep serious damage at bay as the foot of snow and drifts begin to melt.