Melting Snow

2/17/2016 (Permalink)

The image of snow piled up against a house, or a gutter blocked with ice is not a common warning sign for homeowners. However if you have a basement or a crawlspace you are at serious risk for water damage when the temperature rises rapidly after a big storm.

These tips can help you keep melting snow from damaging your home.

Before the warm weather comes –

• Keep the perimeter of your house clear of snow and ice. This snow sitting against the foundation will slowly get into the concrete and expand when cold weather comes again. Slowly creating little pathways that may lead to the inside of your house.
• Shovel out window wells and vents. Water will find a way into any opening or crack; these are natural spots for a leak to occur. If you have covers over egress windows, clear them off as snow will start to get very heavy as it melts.

When the weather gets warm

• Clear out ice jams in gutters.  When water overflows out of the gutter it can run down the side of your house and into any penetration or seam that isn’t sealed.  Keeping the water in the gutter is a safer bet. If the jam is at the top of the downspout, be sure you can safely reach the gutters to clear them out.
• Keep walkways clear of ice. As the snow melts, it will likely move onto areas you have previously cleared off. As it freezes again, it will create a sheet of ice almost as well as a Zamboni machine. You can use a number of tools including salt, sand, de-icer or even just a shovel or ice scraper. Keep in mind salts and de-icers can damage your concrete if left to melt on the surface, and they may contain chemicals that may be harmful to grass, plants, or pets.
• Keep a close eye. Be sure you are watching for signs in areas that could be damaged. These signs can include a damp smell, wet carpet, walls that are peeling or bowing, or a dripping sound in exterior walls.

After the weather warms up

• Pay attention to what your house tells you. After the snow has cleared and you are getting ready for spring projects, you can still be at risk for water damage. The freezing and thawing may cause breaks to your water or sprinkler lines. If you have any loss in pressure you should get it looked at.
• Look for signs of problems that can be fixed. Water damage can take a while to become visible, so watch for signs that will help you prepare for next winter.
  • Do you need to add a downspout where the gutter overflows?
  • Should you add extensions to your downspouts to get water away from the house?
  • Is there siding damage next to an area where the water drips?