Tips

As Winter Storm Stella bears down on our neighborhood today, here are two quick tips to deal with potential issues from the massive amount of snow.

Leaking Roof Due to Ice Dams

An ice dam is formed when heat from inside your home begins to melt the bottom layer of snow on your roof. As the cold water slows drips down the shingles, it will refreeze as it reaches the eave of the roof. This process slowly repeats over and over until a ice dam forms on the edge of your roof which will eventually cause the retained water to flow over the back of your shingles and into your house.

What starts as a few drips could eventually turn into a stream of water coming through the ceiling or running down walls. If this happens to you, here is a video with some tips to help stop the leak and possibly prevent it in the future.

Keep Your Vents Clear

Deep snow and high winds are a dangerous mix that can cause a build-up on your vents causing your furnace and heat to work intermittently or not at all. One indication might be cold air blowing from your registers. As the furnace tries to light and create heat, the blower fan will kick on, and you will either hear the igniter clicking or even flames burn briefly before failing to stay lit.

Before calling the professionals, check the white PVC air-intake or the exhaust vent on the side or back of your home. If it is blocked – by even just a little bit of ice or snow – the system can stall, either because it will be starved of oxygen, or because its built-in safety mechanism will shut it off. This picture from the blizzard in January of 2016 shows vents blocked by the record snowfall.

Here are five tips to help keep your lawn looking its best this year.

Sharpen Your Blade

At the beginning of every season, take the time to remove your blade and sharpen it with a grinding wheel, angle grinder or hand file. The sharp blade will cut cleanly through the grass, while a dull blade will tear the grass, exposing it to threats from pests and diseases.

Only Mow Dry Grass

Dry grass stands proud, making it easier to cut. Wet grass is heavier and more likely to clog your mower. Mowing hillsides when grass is wet can be dangerous if you slip and fall. Mow back and forth instead of up and down an incline.

Use Fresh Fuel

Only purchase fuel that you’ll use within 30 days. For best results, consider purchasing ethanol-free fuel, which will prevent small engine damage. Hake’s Grocery (898 E Canal Rd Dover, PA 17315) is one of only a few gas stations offering ethanol-free fuel.

Gas Alternatives

If you don’t have a large lot to mow, consider some alternatives. A human-powered reel mower is small, low-maintenance, light and provides a good workout. Corded electric mowers are powerful, quiet, and you’ll never run out of gas. Just don’t run over your cord! New battery-powered mowers aren’t quite as large as a traditional mower, but they’re strong enough to power through a small to medium-sized yard.

Hire A Pro

If you’d rather spend your weekend relaxing, or you have really sensitive allergies, you can always hire a lawn service to maintain your yard. Prices vary depending on services and providers, so call around to find a good deal and make sure you get everything in writing.

Do you have any mowing tips you’d like to share? Have you ever hired a lawn care company? If so, did you think it was a good value? Share your comments and feedback below!

Ice Dams and Intermittent Heat