Thursday 27 July 2017

Storm-Proofing Your Home

A little rain never hurt anyone, or their home. A lot of rain could, however. Without some preparation for a strong storm, it could damage your home, if not immediately, then in the long term. Every homeowner need to have storm water prevention solutions for the front and back of the house.

There are several approaches to solving the problems that heavy storms can cause. You can alter your landscaping, add drains and other runoff solutions, and more. Not every method is suited to every home. It all depends upon how your house and yard handles the water. Does it shower from your gutters? Does it puddle in your yard? Does it run around your foundation? Answer these questions, and then apply a solution.

Rain Garden
A rain garden is an area of growth that is strategically placed to help your yard absorb water. The plants in this garden should perform well in wet soil; when water builds during a rain, the outermost areas will drain first, but the center will remain wet. Rain gardens are not meant to redirect water, so it’s important to have a place for the water to go, or to pool. Low-maintenance, durable plants are best for these gardens-some that require very little watering between rainfall, but can still handle the excess water.

Rain Spouts

They seem like small things that may not be relevant, but rain spouts are more important than you may realize. They divert water from your home, which is one of the best steps to protecting it. They send the water runoff from your roof and gutters down and away. Not only are they incredibly useful, they’re inexpensive and easy to install.

Add Drains

Adding effective drainage is always a good idea. A drainage expert can evaluate your home and yard, and tell you what solutions are best for you. Drains can be added to numerous areas around your home. They make great additions to places that already aid water diversion. Driveways, for example, contribute to water runoff away from your house. Adding drainage to these just improves what already exists. The same can be said for walkways and similar things.

Obstructions

Sometimes items that look nice in the yard and around the home do more harm than good when it comes to rain. Take a look at the furniture, statues, and even large plants around your home. Are any of them creating blocks that stall and pool the water? The same goes for gutters. Are they clean? Check for any obstructions that might be there, even though they appear clean from a distance. To aid water flow, move any of these things.

Drainage Expert

Finally, call for help. A drainage expert can show you the best ways to storm-proof your home, and help you choose based upon your needs and your budget. To know more about drainage experts visit http://www.advantagedrainage.com/

Friday 7 July 2017

Summer Drainage and Mosquito Control

Summer fast approaches; in many places, the heat has already begun. With the heat comes summer fun. People will begin their vacations, spend more time outside, have barbeques and pool parties, and much more. Of course, with all of the fun comes some annoyances, like mosquitoes.

Though mosquitoes are mildly present year-round in some places, they are notorious for becoming more of a nuisance in the spring and summer. They’re more than a nuisance, however; they have the potential to spread disease. Most people know this, but many don’t take enough precautions because those diseases still seem too rare to be a concern. With the appearance of the Zika virus still in recent memory, however, people are more aware.

Of the precautions people can take, dealing with moisture around the home is a significant one. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and places where soil and vegetation provide ample moisture. If your yard and landscape collect moisture, you could have a serious mosquito problem that spray simply won’t fix.

Get rid of standing water.

This can mean finding buckets and other sources of water that have been left full around your home. Empty these things. Find any leaks and drips that leave puddles and stop them. And, of course, address standing water in your yard. If your yard has standing water after the rain, or any other source, that will attract mosquitoes.

This will probably mean more work for you. You will have to determine the source of the problem. It could be improper drainage, which may mean soil adjustment, a new drainage system, and other potential solutions. You may even need to consult a professional to help you deal with the problem. Standing water in yard puts you at risk of more than mosquitoes; you could end up with damage to your home and its foundation.

Plant mosquito repelling vegetation.

If you’re inclined to take an ecological approach, you can try planting some flowers and other plants that are known to repel mosquitoes. Some possibilities are lavender, citronella, catnip, peppermint, and many more. Ask your local provider which ones work better. Most are affordable and, if you are not one for gardening, some require very little care. It’s a small step, but it could help.

Use spray and personal protection.

No one can permanently eliminate all mosquitoes; they have been on earth for millions of years and they’re simply impossible to stop entirely. So, no matter what other precautions you take, make sure that you continue to protect your skin. Use spray for your skin; there are many options, including natural and sensitive formulas. When you are able to do so without getting too hot, weather light-colored clothing that protects your arms and legs, and makes it harder to be bitten.

Even without the risk of illness, mosquitoes are a nuisance. If you have this problem and you think that water is to blame, contact drainage contractors at http://www.advantagedrainage.com/. They can help you get rid of standing water at your home and make it less inviting to mosquitoes.