Winter is a season filled with wonder and enjoyment, but it also has some of the most dreaded weather of the year. Here in the Long Branch, New Jersey, Jersey Shore area, we must prepare for the prospect of snow and ice every year.
Hi, I’m Michele Irizarry, CEO and broker of Shore Prime Properties. The tips here will help you care for your property and be ready for whatever weather winter throws at you. Have you hit the like or subscribe button to our page or YouTube channel? If you haven’t already, please be sure to do so now. We are always discussing useful tips and tricks for home buyers and home sellers.
Removing snow and ice. One of the joys of winter is watching snowfall from inside of your home. However, that joy will quickly dissipate when it’s time to remove a significant accumulation of snow and ice from your sidewalks and driveway, these suggestions can help you safely clear your property.
Shovel frequently, if possible, even if it is still snowing, removing smaller amounts of snow at a time is much easier, not to mention safer, than leaving it until a large amount accumulates. A good rule of thumb is to shovel driveways and walkways after a few inches have fallen. Use the right shovel for the job. Plastic shovel blades are lightweight and a solid option for small accumulations and larger shoveling jobs. Steel shovel blades stand up to wet, heavy snow, and can chip away ice.
Avoid placing snow near your home’s foundation when shoveling your driveway or porch. Doing so could cause pipes to freeze or your foundation to form cracks. Don’t forget to clear out the space for your dryer vent. Any blockages in front of your vent could become a fire hazard. If a layer of ice has formed, you may need some help melting it. There are numerous products that you can use, including sodium chloride, better known as rock salt. This is a popular and affordable option. It works in temperatures above 15 degrees, but beware as it can damage concrete, asphalt, and plants, Magnesium chloride, while more expensive than rock salt, it is safer to use around plants, shouldn’t damage your walkway or driveway, and works in temperatures down to nearly five degrees.
Calcium chloride. This is also more expensive than rock salt, but it works in temperatures below zero. And shouldn’t be as damaging to your property. Sand and kitty litter both will improve traction for walking or moving your car, but don’t have the same effect as melting ice as the other options.
Safety first. The National Safety Council reports that snow removal results in thousands of injuries and nearly 100 deaths per year. So proceed with caution. If you’re an older adult or have any serious health conditions, it is wise to hire someone to remove the snow for you. Never, ever exert yourself when removing snow and ice. Make sure to follow these tips to help safely clear your property. Always wear footwear with good traction and insulation in winter weather. Dress in loose fitting layers when shoveling. You can remove a layer if you’re overheating. Stretch before you begin shoveling to help prevent injury and fatigue.
Push the snow instead of lifting if possible, this will help you exert less energy. If you must lift bend with your knees and lift with your legs. Do not lift with your back. Don’t throw snow over your shoulder or to the side as this can strain your back. Try to shovel snow that is fresh and powdery. Remember that lighter is better. If the snow is heavy, only remove a portion of the depth at a time or use a smaller shovel.
Take frequent breaks from the cold and hydrate regularly. Also wear gloves when using deicer and use a handheld spreader on larger areas like your driveway.
Protecting against frost. Winter weather definitely impacts our yards, especially the landscaping. If frost is in the forecast for the Jersey Shore area, the following tips can help you care for your outdoor plants. Apply two or three inches of mulch around the base of your plants to keep soil warm during cold spells, make sure your plants and the soil are well watered.
Watering can help protect against light frost and moisture helps the soil retain heat. You should water your plants early in the day, but avoid watering them if the temperature is below 40 degrees, or if there’s snow on the ground. Cover sensitive plants before frost and consider investing in a few frost blankets. These insulated blankets are made from a lightweight material that is breathable, keeps your plants warm, and even allows some light to penetrate.
The goal is to cover the plants all the way to the soil. The ground is much warmer than the air and covering the plants to the soil traps the warm air inside. Remove the cover once the temperatures begin to rise. Plants growing in pots or containers are more sensitive to cold than plants growing in the ground. You may need to move your potted plants to help them withstand the cold. This can include moving them closer to the home, under an awning or into a garage or shed.
If extended cold temperatures or a hard freeze is in the forecast, you may need to bring some plants, indoors. Certain plants like tropical varieties are very sensitive to the cold. If your yard has a sprinkler system, turn it off during freezing temperatures. Once the cold spell has passed, run your sprinklers and inspect the system for any leaks or broken heads. Don’t forget to disconnect and dry out hoses as leaving water in a hose can cause freezing and cracking.
Additionally insulate outdoor faucets by placing a foam faucet cover over them. Maintaining your outdoor space and wind enter is key. Not only for safe passage for you and your family, but also for buyers and their real estate agents when they come to view your home. Presenting a well-maintained exterior will give off a great first impression.
Reach out to us today. If we can help you navigate a move, we are always happy to help. And if you haven’t done so yet, be sure to like our page, subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay in the know on more home and real estate posts.
I’m Michele Irizarry, selling prime real estate at The Jersey Shore.
