While the chilly weather outside may keep many New Jersey residents indoors for a good amount of time, now is the perfect time to pay attention to what’s going on outside your home.  One issue in particular that is worth watching out for is any issues with drainage around your home.  By noticing what’s going on now, you’ll be better prepared to handle any potential problems before the wet spring weather wreaks havoc with your lawn, or worse, your basement.

Drainage issues can be caused by a number of factors.  Most commonly, problems arise due to faulty grading or soil that settles over time, leaving depressed areas in the ground that allow water to accumulate and puddle.  While a small occasional puddle in your yard after a particularly strong rainfall may not be cause for concern, areas that remain wet for prolonged periods of time can become problematic.  Standing water is a breeding ground for many insects, especially mosquitoes, and can also cause mold and mildew to form.

Of course, if the water that is pooling is more than just a little puddle, is situated near your home or infiltrates into the interior of the home, you have bigger problems on your hand.  Water that doesn’t drain properly around the perimeter of your home can result in basement flooding and can compromise the foundation of your home by loosening soil around the structure.  Even if you don’t wind up with inches or feet of water in your basement, having just minor seepage can result in the formation of mold and mildew.  No amount is acceptable when it comes to water seeping into your home from outside.

One benefit to this time of year is that it is easier to notice where you may have potential drainage problems around your home.  This is because water that sits and does not drain properly eventually turns into ice when temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.  So, while you might not notice a small wet patch in your backyard during other times of the year, you’ll certainly pay more attention if you look out your windows and notice a small skating rink outside.

Although winter time may not be the perfect time to start dealing with the installation of drainage solutions, since the ground is partially frozen, it’s worth noting any areas of standing water (or ice) that you see over the next couple of months.  Then mark it on your calendar to schedule an appointment with a drainage specialist to come out as soon as the ground thaws to address the problem before you are left with a wet, soggy mess when those April showers roll around.

Companies like Millenium Stoneworks can provide residents in New Jersey and Staten Island with recommended drainage solutions, ranging from the installation of French drains around the perimeter of your home to the re-grading of your property, so that water doesn’t have to be a source of concern.

For more information about the drainage services offered in Colts Neck, Holmdel, and Rumson NJ and Staten Island by Millenium Stoneworks, call 732-519-1112 or 347-723-6990.