Snow Removal

How to Prepare Your Property for a Big Snowstorm

November 12, 2017 by limitlesspaving

Is Your Home Ready for the next Snowstorm in Frederick?

Although the winter brings the holiday season, there are also some unfortunate side effects. Aside from the cold weather, there’s often snowfall in many areas of the country. While snow is beautiful (and great for the kids), it isn’t so great for your property. So let’s make sure you are prepared for the next snowstorm in Frederick. There are several problems that come along with heavy snow, including expensive damage to your property. However, you can mitigate damages by taking the proper precautions each year, and ensuring you have proper snow plow measurements in place.

prepare property for a snowstorm infographic

So, take out your pen and paper for notes. Winter is coming. To get yourself ready for any big snowstorm, by following these precautionary measures:

Prevent Ice Dams

Although icicles on homes look nice, there’s likely a problem if there are a lot of them when there’s a snowstorm. Ice buildup can form an “ice dam”, or a place on your home where meltwater backs up and flows to your house. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to prevent it. Do the following to keep your home safe:

Insulate Your Attic: There should be proper insulation in your attic to prevent too much heat being transferred from your home to the attic. You should check vents, chimney systems, and light fixtures.

Ventilate Your Attic: Not all attics were built with a ventilation system. If your home wasn’t built with one, you should contact a qualified contractor about ventilating your attic before winter comes. Otherwise, you risk ice melting down into the attic and freezing again.

Before winter comes, you should call a weatherization contractor to come out to your house to identify and fix air leaks and areas of poor insulation throughout your HVAC ductwork and roofing.

Examine Your Roof

You should get up on your roof and examine it every year before winter comes. While up there, look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that could let water into your home when it snows. If you find that there are problem areas, consider hiring a handyman or roofer to fix it up before a storm hits your area. Also, be sure to check the seals around vent stacks and chimneys for any buildup of dust that may become sealed with ice.. If you’re in the southwest of the country, you may be wondering what you should do with your flat, asphalt roof. Before winter comes, you should blow all leaves and pine needles off of the roof to keep them from absorbing moisture and weighing down your roof. When working on rooftops, always be safe! Watch your footing and have someone assist using the ladder.

Seal Windows and Doors

To test whether you need to caulk around your windows and doors, you can test the gaps between siding and windows by attempting to place a nickel between it. If the nickel fits into the gap, you need to reapply caulk. Also, check the joints in the windows and door frames. One of the best types of caulk to use is silicone because it won’t shrink when the weather gets cold. Make sure that you cannot see any daylight coming into your home. To be safe, you should also check vents and fans, plumbing areas, air conditioners, mail chutes, and electrical/gas lines.

Clean the Gutters

A lot of people forget about their gutters throughout the year. However, a lot of stuff builds up in there over the course of fall, and it can cause problems come winter. When snow falls, it’s possible that water can back up in the gutters and damage you home. An average roof can hold around four feet of snow before there’s a problem, so consider keeping a roof rake on hand to clear your roof throughout winter. A roof rake is just a longer version of a normal rake that you can use to clear off your roof from the comfort of the ground.

Change the Water’s Path

As part of your gutter system, you have a downspout that directs water from the gutters and away from your house. You’ll want to redirect your downspout so that water runs at least three or four feet away from the foundation of your home.

Stock Up on Supplies

The last thing that you want during a snowstorm is to realize when you’re out of important maintenance supplies. Whether it’s salt, ice melt, or fluids for your snow blower, ensure that you have enough of everything to at least get you through the first big snow storm. You don’t want to rush to the store at the last minute like everybody else.

Have an Emergency Sump Pump

Although snow is beautiful, it’s still just water at the end of the day. When that beautiful snow melts, there will be water all over the place. Thus, you could end up with a flooded basement. If your power goes out along with the snow melting, you might be in trouble. Keep a battery-powered sump pump on hand just in case.

Have a Lock De-Icer

There’s nothing more frustrating in a snowstorm than not being able to unlock a door. Solve that problem by keeping a lock de-icer on hand.

Trim Trees Around the House

Look around your house for trees. If there are any branches hanging low around your roof, gutters, or house, trim them before it gets too cold outside. When it snows, that snow is going to sit on those branches. If the weight of the snow breaks the branches, it can cause significant damage to your home.

Get Started Today

There’s no better time to start preparing your house for the winter than today. There’s a lot to get done, and people often don’t realize that they didn’t do it until it’s too late. To help get yourself started, make a checklist of everything that we listed and set dates for which you will get everything done. To keep your home structurally healthy for the long run and your bank account full, it’s important you handle necessary snowstorm preps as soon as possible. Here is a checklist for you to use! Checklist for Snowstorm Preparation If you ever need assistance, be sure to call a qualified professional out to your home to get their opinion. Give us a call today if you have any questions! Call us at (301) 327-2226 today!

Residential Snow Removal

October 28, 2017 by limitlesspaving

Ways To Remove Snow On Your Residential Property

As the temperature plummets and winter approaches, it is probably the time to start thinking about your residential snow removal. One of the smartest steps you can take as a homeowner involves utilizing professional residential snow removal services. However, there are other steps you can take to remove snow and avoid the buildup of ice on your residential property. Removing snow from your sidewalks, porches, and driveways can be a major hassle in the winter. But with the right approach, you can handle it safely and efficiently.

driveway snow clearing and removal frederick md

There are several ways to remove or prevent the buildup of ice on your residential property. Here are just some suggestions:

Removal of Snow on the Roof of your Home

The accumulation of ice on your roof can result in the formation of ice dams which can damage the roof and cause leaks. Your downspouts and gutters are also at risk. So, it is important to remove snow from your roof to avoid costly damages. Here are some of the ways to remove or prevent the accumulation of ice on the roof of your home:

Heat cables for Snow Removal

One of the ways to remove snow or prevent the buildup of ice on your roof is by installing heat cables. While heat cables can help to prevent ice dams, they are usually expensive to run and install.

Shovelling or Roof Raking Snow

This is another efficient way of removing the buildup of ice on your roof. It is relatively inexpensive but can be tricky and time-consuming. Now comes the question, should you remove the snow with a rake or a shovel? The answer depends on (a) how big, and tall your roof is, (b) the quantity of snow on your roof, and (c) whether the snow itself is wet and heavy or powdery and light.

Roof raking is one of the best winter-long tasks you can perform to keep the snow off your roof. You can probably reach most or all of your roof with a rake if you live in the small one-story home. Raking off the snow regularly will help keep your roof snow-free. If your home is taller than one-story building, this option can be an ideal way to clear the overhangs. This will prevent the buildup of ice while removing excess weight on the weakest part of your roof. Remember to always use caution climbing the ladder and balancing on some roofs.

However, this option has its limitations. If you live in a tall building, raking any higher than the overhangs might be difficult even with extension rods for your rake. Removing the snow out your roof valleys with a roof rake will also be a physical challenge. This is because the surface is angular and the rake is flat. Moreover, this option is not always effective at clearing heavy, hardened or wet snow from the roof.

Shoveling, as a residential snow removal technique starts where roof raking stops. It is the best option for roofs with (a) too much snow for a rake to handle, (b) heavy or hardened snow, or (c) too large or tall roofs that you’re unable to reach with your rake. Moreover, it is a better snow removal option where heavy lifting is required or when you want to clear your roof completely.

Shoveling your Footpath and Driveway

Removing snow from your sidewalks and driveways with a shovel is an affordable and eco-friendly solution. There are some factors you need to put into consideration, should you choose to use this option, including your safety, efficiency, and comfort. There are dangers associated with snow shoveling, such as frostbite and back injuries. Hence, you must be prepared to tackle this job correctly.

The tips below will help you remove snow safely and efficiently:

Snow shoveling can be an exciting form of exercise. However, you might want to get your doctor’s recommendation before you beginning any strenuous activity.
Dress properly! Add multiple layers of clothing for comfort and protection against the cold. You should also put on a slip-resistant footwear. The moment you start sweating while removing the snow, peel off a layer of the clothing.
Start by stretching your muscles; this will help to avoid injury.
Maintain a good posture while removing the snow, to avoid straining your back.
Stay hydrated, drink enough water.
Apply wax to the blade of your shovel. This trick helps to prevent sticking of the ice to the blade when you attempt to fling it into a pile.
Do not push yourself above your limits. You can take a break when you feel tired or every 5 minutes to relax and drink water.

Frederick Snow Plowing and Removal Service

Heated Driveway Systems

This is another eco-friendly solution. It involves installing electric heaters under the driveway. The system radiates heat upward to melt the snow, thus, reducing the buildup of ice on your driveway. Compared to shoveling, heated driveway system provides an easier way to clear snow off your driveway. However, the cost of installing and running the system is relatively expensive.

Snowblowing

Using a snowblower can be an effective way of clearing snow from your sidewalk and driveways. Most people believe this option is better than risking a back injury while shoveling. However, the cost of renting, purchasing or running the machine is relatively high.

De-icing Products

Several snow melting products have been developed to remove snow and slippery surfaces. Some of these products are expensive and may end up harming pets, damaging your flooring or plants in your landscape. Be sure to research the product and see if an accredited association has approved it.

Hiring Professional Residential Snow Removal Services

Of course, you can hire a professional residential snow removal contractor to handle the job rather than going through the task on your own. It is one of the best ways to remove snow quickly and efficiently from your residential property. Below are the reasons you might have to hire a professional contractor.

They help to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents. You do not have to go through the hazards of removing the snow on your own.
They make use of specialized equipment to speed up the snow removal process
This option is relatively cheap since you won’t have to buy or rent any snow removal equipment.
Hiring a professional contractor reduces the stress of removing the snow on your own
Typically saves time and money.

Conclusion

No doubt, removing snow from your residential property is highly beneficial. Not only is it a great way to maintain your property but also to prevent accidents and injuries. Here at Limitless Paving & Concrete, we deliver courteous and fast residential snow removal services that few other professional contractors can match. Taking care of the back-breaking work involved in the snow removing process is our specialty. Call us today, and let us manage your residential snow removal needs.

What are the Benefits Of Installing A Heated Driveway?

October 10, 2017 by limitlesspaving

The Benefits Of Installing A Heated Driveway

snow covered car and driveway in Mt Airy MD

How to remove snow from a driveway without a shovel?

If you live in a cold climate where you experience ice and snow during the winter months, you most likely spend a lot of time shoveling snow from the driveway before you can use your car. A snow-covered driveway is also extremely dangerous to walk on with a high risk of injury from slipping and falling. It is essential to keep the driveway clear of snow to protect the safety of other people like family, friends, mailman, or in the case of an emergency. If someone is seriously injured by slipping and falling on your snow-covered driveway, you may be found liable and have to put in a household insurance claim. An incident like this could result in increased insurance rates and difficulty in obtaining future insurance cover. A heated driveway can save you from a lot of problems. Although a heated driveway may seem extravagant to some homeowners, there are many benefits to be considered if you live in a climate with frequent snowfalls and icy conditions. With today’s advanced technology a heated driveway may not be as costly as you think. It will be safer for everyone who uses it. Not to mention the time and money you will save by not having to shovel snow or paying for professional snow plowing to clear your driveway. By making your driveway a hazard-free zone during the winter months, you can rest assured that your property is safe to use by people you care for as well as strangers who visit your home for various reasons.

How is a heated driveway installed?

Installing a heated driveway for residential homes can be done in areas that need maximum protection and can be custom-made to fit your driveway. If you are already spending a lot of time and money on shoveling snow, snow blowers and snow equipment, you will soon be able to recoup the money paid for your heated driveway. Just think what it would feel like to be lying snugly in bed on a cold, snowy morning knowing that your driveway is safe and snow-free instead of bundling up in layers of clothes to trudge out into the snow to clear the area. Let a heated driveway do all the work for you while you stay warm in the comfort of your home. A heated driveway has a heating element installed in the concrete or other material used for your driveway with automatic sensors that are custom designed to deal with the particular climate. It will automatically gauge temperature and moisture and switch on and off to keep the driveway clear of accumulated snow. The heating system can also be custom designed for walkways and steps as well as other entryways to your home and outbuildings. This will ensure that there is always a safe path from your front door to the garage or the curb when you need access to the street. For existing driveways, a heating system can be retro-fitted by cutting into the concrete to install the heating elements and sealing it up afterward to look as good as new. Although there is an initial capital outlay required to install a heated driveway, the convenience will outweigh the cost, and in the long run, you will save a lot of time and money. And, most importantly, the safety of your family and friends is incalculable.