Melting Snow

While this winter has been very mild both in terms of temperture and snow, what snow we have had has melted very quickly. While this is a good thing in terms of comfort and such, it can present a risk to finished basements and other home spaces that are vulnerable to a sudden increase in surface water.

Please take care to make sure your sump pumps and downspout drains are functioning, and draining any excess surface water away from the foundation of your home. Make sure window wells are covered and the drains within them are clear of leaves, dirt and other debris that could prevent water from draining safely away.

This will help avoid any costly water damage incidents from occurring. Additionally, it will also prepare your home for the spring season ahead, which is forecast to be wet as usual.

Valentine's Day Gifts!

Gentleman, today is February 13th, which means tomorrow is February 14th, which means there will be inordinate pressure upon you to find the perfect gift for your significant other. 10% of the roughly 2.3 million people who get engaged each year do so on Valentine's Day, which means there are about 230,000 engagement rings being purchased and given right around this year.

As anyone who has purchased a ring (or any kind of jewelry, for that matter) is aware, diamond rings are not cheap. They represent a very large investment, and any sort of large investment needs to be properly protected against the random events that can occur in life. From being lost or misplaced to the stone falling out of the mounting, the last thing you want to have happen is for your very large investment to go unprotected.

If you are getting engaged, or are already engaged and do not have the ring insured, please contact your insurance agent today. There are many different ways to protect your valuable jewelry, and your agent can help you choose the option that best protects your investment.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and romantic Valentine's Day!

It's Ice Dam Season!

While the mild winter we've had has been a blessing in many ways (it's just 1 year ago today that we were all buried under 3 feet of snow!), one of the unfortunate side effects of the relatively mild winter has been the increased risk of ice dams which can form at the edge of your roof.

An ice dam can occur in an area which isn't exposed to direct sunlight on your roof. Ice can build up in the gutter and eventually force an opening between the roofline and the gutter. When the ice melts, the runoff can damage interior walls, insulation and attic space.

If you notice unexplained water damage to walls or ceilings this winter, call us today. We can discuss the best course of action to take to not only repair the damage, but remedy the cause.

In the meantime, enjoy the weather!