After getting walloped with winter weather this month, warmer temperatures and spring are on the horizon. This means all that snow that accumulated will turn to water—potentially causing problems for some homeowners. Here’s what you can do to prepare your home for the melting snow, and prevent flooding and other issues.
Clear snow away from windows and doors
To avoid water getting into unsealed spots around windows and doors, make sure to shovel snow away from basement windows, window wells, and doorways. Ideally, you should remove snow from all exterior walls of your home as well.
Extend your downspout
If you can attach one, a downspout extension can help direct water further from your home. This avoids water pooling close to the foundation. And make sure your downspout is pointed away from your home.
Check for obstructions
Explore your property and check for any obstacles. Clear fallen debris or ice banks—that will cause water to flow towards your home rather than to gutters and sewers. Also, check that the gutters are clear as the snow begins to melt.
Prepare your basement, just in case
If you think water might get into your basement, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Move objects and boxes away from windows or out of the basement entirely. Raise appliances—like the washer and dryer—a few inches off the ground.
Keep an eye on icicles—and on your ceiling
Once temperatures rise and the snow starts to melt, check your ceiling for any water stains, rings, or blistering (and check your attic for leaks, if you have access). Have lots of long icicles dangling from your roof? These could be a sign of ice dams, and they could block water from draining properly, meaning it will end up inside your home.
If you do have issues when the snow melts this year, take the opportunity to perform the necessary home maintenance in the spring or summer to avoid problems next winter.
