Please remember to help your family, friends and neighbours by sharing this with them and by completing these tasks with or for those who need help.
Preparing for a major melt!
With all this snow, warm weather and 5-10 mm of rain in the forecast, it is best to be prepared!
To prepare homes for heavy snow melt, especially in areas prone to significant snow accumulation, follow these steps to help prevent water damage and flooding.
1. Create Proper Drainage:
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Shovel snow away from the foundation and ensure proper drainage away from the house by digging drainage trenches.
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Clear snow and ice from exterior drains, gutters, and downspouts to allow for proper water flow.
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Place downspouts at least 6 feet away from the foundation.
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Clear trenches and the drains on your street if necessary.
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Shovel snow from window wells
2. Clear Snow from Roofs:
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ALWAYS BE SAFE - Safely remove excess snow from the roof using a roof rake or by hiring professionals.
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Clear snow away from roof valleys, gutters, and downspouts to prevent leaking from ice dams.
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Remove any ice dams as they develop
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Turn on heating cables if you have them
3. Check The Sump Pump:
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Ensure the sump pump is in good working condition and consider installing a battery backup system in case of power outages.
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Check your sump pump to be sure it is working through out the duration of the melt.
4. Inspect Foundation:
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Check the foundation for cracks or gaps where water could seep in during the melt.
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Seal any gaps or cracks with waterproof caulk or sealant.
5. Protect Basement: If you are expecting some water leakage -
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Move valuable items from the basement to higher ground to prevent water damage.
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Consider installing a water alarm to alert you of any water intrusion.
6. Monitor Snow Melt:
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Keep an eye on the rate of snow melt and check your basement frequently.
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Be prepared to take extra action if water accumulates near the foundation or enters your home.
7. Prepare Emergency Supplies:
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Have emergency supplies on hand, such as sandbags, a wet-dry vacuum, and a generator in case of flooding or power outages.
By taking proactive steps to prepare your home for heavy snow melt, you can help minimize the risk of water damage and flooding during periods of rapid snow thaw. It's important to stay vigilant and address any potential issues promptly to protect your home and belongings.
After the Snowmelt
1. Inspect for Damage
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Check for foundation cracks, water damage, and mold growth.
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Inspect electrical systems for potential water exposure.
2. Prevent Future Issues
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Improve grading around the home to slope away from the foundation.
We hope you find this helpful in protecting your home! If you are planning to sell this year, please get a copy of our free special report 27 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar! This valuable information will give you tips on things to do and things not to worry about when preparing your home for sale.
You can also get our Home Inspection Tips report to help prepare you for a home inspection. Seller or a Buyer, this information will be helpful as you prepare for your move!
Find out what you home is worth in today's markert VS what it will be worth in the spring market - the difference may Shock You!
We would like to hear from you! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always looking forward to hearing from you! We will do our best to reply to you within 24 hours !