There are certain seasons when vacant homes are more prone to issues than others. Summer is one of them. Stormy weather, pests, break-ins and other factors can pose issues, and potentially be hazardous to properties in the summer months. At Greenwich Home Watch we know what to look for to prevent and fix potential issues before they become bigger problems. Here are just a few of the factors that come into play with vacant homes in June, July and August:

Summer Storms

Summer brings thunderstorms with high winds, heavy rain and lightning. It also brings high heat and humidity. In addition to our regular home checks, Greenwich Home Watch plans can include storm checks. These diligent inspections include checking the home and property after storms to ensure there are no issues. If issues do occur, we can fix them promptly.

Heavy winds and fallen tree limbs can damage roofing, flashing and windows. Downed limbs can also block the driveway and scatter debris onto the roof that can eventually lead to rot if not removed. And wind and rain can lead to power outages.

Heavy rains can cause flooding in the basement and/or wash out parts of the property. And if there are issues with the roof or windows, water can make its way into the house.

High heat causes wear on home exteriors and can dry out plantings and grass. And humidity can cause mold and excel rot. Heat and humidity can also cause damage to valuable artwork, rugs, and furnishings if air conditioning is not functioning properly.

To help avoid and/or mitigate these issues, the Greenwich Home Watch team will carefully inspect the property for issues related to accelerated temperatures and storm damage. Some of the items that we look for include the proper functioning and settings of sump pumps, generators, AC, and irrigation systems. We’ll also look for roof and window damage and signs of flooding. If there are issues, we will alert the homeowner and conduct repairs as necessary.

Landscaping

The most obvious landscaping need for vacant homes in the summer is to maintain grass and plantings. There are several issues, however, besides lawn mowing and shrub trimming, that can occur.

Flooded lawns, driveways, patios and stone work from heavy rains can cause water to sit for extended periods if not addresses. This may occur if drainage is blocked or insufficient. Standing water can damage hardscapes, lawns, shrubs and flowers.

Heat waves and extended periods without rain can starve grass, plants and trees and lead to stunted growth. Lack of water can also lead to compacted soil and make plants and grass more susceptible to damage during the colder months.

The Greenwich Home Watch team will inspect your property for signs of flooding on lawns and hardscape surfaces. We can also keep a close eye on your irrigation system to ensure that it is functioning properly. If we do identify a drainage or irrigation equipment issue, we will alert you right away.

Pest Activity

Certain pests are more active in the summer months in Greenwich, CT. Addressing pest issues can be hard if you are living in a second home during the summer, or away on work or vacation for extended periods.

Wasp and bees can actually cause damage to wood structures. Wasps can chew through wood in an effort to build and expand their nests. This damage can weaken the structure and/or lead to moisture issues as raw wood becomes exposed to water. The Greenwich Home Watch team will remove nests quickly and safely. We will then repair any damage that may have been caused. We can also set up preventative measures to discourage bees and/or wasps from coming back in the future.

Ants are highly active in the Greenwich area in summertime. The warm weather stimulates their activity and reproduction and they venture indoors to search for food and water sources, particularly when outdoor conditions become hot and dry. Our team diligently inspects the house for ants and can set traps and bait indoors and out to help eliminate them.

Increased humidity and moisture in the summer can lead to higher rates of termite activity. When left unchecked, these pests can cause serious damage to structures. Termites need to be exterminated as soon as they have been discovered. The Greenwich Home Watch team will identify termite issues and work to eliminate them quickly and efficiently.

Robberies

Warmer weather, and more frequent home vacancies in summer, make it a more active time for home robbery and/or vandalism. The Greenwich Home Watch team takes multiple steps to help deter break-ins.

Our team will verify that your alarm system is functioning properly and ensure that security lights are in proper working order. We will also eliminate signs that the home is vacant by ensuring that packages and mail are being collected. And our presence alone acts as a deterrent.

We will also inspect the property for signs of break-ins or attempted break-ins. We can coordinate with local law enforcement in these cases to investigate and/or encourage additional patrols if signs of robbery were to be detected.

Pool Issues

For Greenwich homeowners that keep their pools open during the summer, but are away for extended periods, it is important to ensure the pool will be ready to enjoy when you return, and that the systems are operating effectively.

Several pool related issue can be headed off when you have someone capable looking after your property. Although you may have a pool service in place, our Greenwich Home Watch team will be able to keep a more frequent and diligent eye on things.

One of the most common pool issues that we see over the summer involves low water levels. Hight temperatures and stretches of low humidity can lead to accelerated evaporation. And wind can even reduce water levels. When the level goes below the filter skimmer, it starts to take in air instead of water. This not only negatively affects the intended purpose of the filter, but it can also cause the pump to overheat and burn out. This problem is obvious to detect on a standard home watch inspection and water can be easily topped off by the home inspector.

Chlorine is another element that needs to be monitored. When chlorine levels are low, and heat and humidity are high, algae can form. Our team will keep a close eye out for algae formation to ensure this does not become an issue.

Pool equipment can fail, filters can clog, and surfaces of the pool can succumb to damage in high heat. Damage to the pool surface, cover, and/or equipment can also occur if stormy weather sends branches, debris, and/or pool furniture flying. Having someone to inspect for these issues, and ensure they are resolved promptly, will help head off further problems and ensure that the pool is ready for use when you return.

Peace of Mind in the Summer- and Every Season

When you have Greenwich Home Watch looking after your home, you have true peace of mind that your property is being cared for when you can’t be there. And of course, our services are available year-round. If you have a Greenwich, CT property that requires home watch services, please reach out to our team.