The Mid-Atlantic Nor'Easter, and why the time AFTER can be so dangerous

February 21, 2019 
Regular Homeowner Advice for those in the Mid-Atlantic by: EFynch.com



Winter Weather Reports often give homeowners a few days for preparation. Prep for what? We never know what were getting

Washington, D.C. Congratulations! You survived another Nor'Easter. If you've spent any time living in the Mid-Atlantic you are familiar with this term and what comes with it. 

For outsiders (especially those from areas like Buffalo, NY)- a Nor'Easter is just another time to let us know how much snow you had growing up and to question why cities from D.C. to Philly shut down for a "measly 6'"!

However, if you are from the Mid-Atlantic area (like us here at EFynch), you know it is so much more.

Icy roads in the D.C. area can often happen in an instant bringing communities to gridlock.
It's wintry mix! It's snow, it's rain, it's ice-  the weather people don't know what is coming. In fact, as I stood outside in yesterday's event there were a handful of times I even asked- what is this?. . . and that is in real time. . .  standing outside. . .

The fact remains, it's a frozen "something" that is unclassifiable. It coats streets in a way that appear to overpower the general chemistry of salt. But, the worst part, it melts every day and freezes every night.  THAT, is where the issues arises.

Let's forget about traffic and 2 hour delays. This wreaks havoc on your homes, driveways, roofs, decks, , ,  everything.  It can also be argued it is one of the most dangerous aspects of the storms.

Each day as water melts it penetrates in every crack and weak point. Then, at night it freezes, expands, and can cause slippery conditions and expand cracks that can hurt your back, and your wallet.
Homeowners need to watch for overnight lows and prepare for icing.

After a storm like the one we just experienced, it is important to keep an eye on the weather and take the following precautions:

- Clear driveways, walkways, and decks as soon as the event ends. (some counties have laws requiring you to do so, see article)

- Try to keep foot traffic on these areas to a minimum until you have them cleared. Footprints compact snow/ ice, making it harder to clear.

- Apply your preferred ice melt solution early in the day in order to provide enough time to melt any ice/ snow AND evaporate during the day.

- Take note of LOW temperatures and be careful of re-icing. Re-Apply Ice Melt as needed.

- Make sure all drainage areas and sewers are clear of debris and snow.

- If you have an area that is typically shaded or tends to stay damp, consider shoveling snow away from this area semi-regularly during storms. This can prevent snow and ice from becoming dense and making it more stubborn.
 
- Make sure Gutters are clean, clear, and operations BEFORE storms hit. This helps snow melt and drain from your roof to prevent ice damming/ damage.


Ice damming can cause quick damage and after the storm, the exact source is often untraceable.

Weather is unique in the Mid-Atlantic because we are just on the cusp, somewhere between winter wonderland the Carolina "Crisp Breeze".  This, is actually where I think most of the problems come from. Be safe out there!








*Washington Beltway Traffic Congestion; repairs, issues, and fixing gridlock for D.C., Virginia, and Maryland homeowners.

Popular posts from this blog

The Big Fuzzy Bumble Bee- What are they? Do they Hurt? How to Kill them.

Image
 EFynch is a handyman and homeowner community board based in Baltimore, Maryland. We provide advice, guidance, and help facilitate communications so, as a homeowner, you can manage any project like a pro! (Baltimore, MD ) Every spring my home is flooded with big, bumbling, furry, clumsy bees. It literally looks like the early stages of some biblical catastrophe. When I first saw them, I didn't know what to do. They'd swarm, swoop, dive, and worst of all- they were living behind my gutters and in my deck digging holes in the wood! I immediately turned to social media where, just as expected, I received a host of conflicting information in which each respondent was more sure than the previous one. So, I rolled up my sleeves, put on my reading glasses and after intense research I compiled the information below and I hope this helps. Grab your tennis rackets and a can of WD-40, because we're in for a wild safari! 1. What are they? They are commonly known as wood ...
Read more

Shovel your driveway for convenience. Shovel the sidewalk or be FINED!

Image
By: Teris Pantazes of EFynch.com Timonium, MD: After every snowstorm you will ultimately hear the scrape of distant shovels and snowblowers. These are your good neighbors who are out clearing their driveways in order to avoid busting their Phisteris' or just taking a terrible slip.  But I have to tell you, it doesn't end there. As a dog owner (actually, 2 mutts in my household!), I take them out for an stroll every evening. I constantly encounter a lack of sidewalk clearing and because I don't want to be a nosy neighbor, I politely trudge through the snow risking my own demise. Therein lies a problem because without resolution, you are opening yourself to fines and even worse, HOMEOWNER LIABILITY. I live in Baltimore County. But, I have also managed properties in Prince George's, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, and Washington D.C.  I can tell you without any hesitation of doubt that within each and these jurisdictions- THE SIDEWALK IS THE HOMEOWNERS ...
Read more

Why you should hire a licensed tv installer to mount your flatscreen

Image
 There are many reasons why you should hire a licensed professional to perform any home improvement work in your home and mounting your tv’s are not exception. Here is a video from Baltimore TV Mount and Maryland TV mount going over the reason why.  Hope this helps all those homeowners and tenants looking to prepare for the big game on Sunday with a new big screen tv!  Remember, we are also starting to help those in Salt Lake City and Denver .
Read more