Many Canadians look forward to warmer temperatures in the spring. However, rapidly melting snow can lead to flooding. Here are four tips to help you prevent your basement from becoming water-logged as the weather warms up.
1. Shovel snow away from your home As a rule of thumb, keeping snow at least one metre away from your home’s foundation will help prevent water from seeping into your basement. In addition, you should remove any excess snow from your roof and overhangs. A 92 square-metre (1,000 square-foot) roof that’s covered in 30 centimetres of snow can create over 9,400 litres of water. If preventive measures aren’t taken, this meltwater could end up pooling around your foundation and flooding your basement. 2. Keep your downspouts, gutters and drains clear It’s important to remove ice, leaves, twigs and other debris that could prevent proper drainage from your downspouts, gutters and drains. If they’re clogged, meltwater can spill over seep into the ground along your foundation, which could lead to flooding. You may also want to extend the length of your downspouts to effectively divert melting snow away from your home. 3. Seal cracks in your basement Flooding can occur if water seeps through existing cracks in your basement’s exterior walls and foundation. Therefore, it’s a good idea to repair small cracks with an epoxy sealer. Large cracks should be repaired by a professional. In addition, you may need to apply fresh caulking around your basement windows. 4. Test your sump pump You should test your sump pump to ensure it’s in good working condition when the snow melts. You can do this by pouring a bucket of water into the sump basin to engage the pump. If the pump doesn’t automatically turn on, you should call a professional to investigate the issue and have it fixed. Your sump pump is the first line of defence if water gets into your basement. Do you have the right insurance? Some standard homeowners’ insurance policies don’t provide flood damage coverage. If you want to make sure you have the protection you need, speak with one of the friendly brokers at Eisenhauer Insurance Inc. Home insurance in Nova Scotia At Eisenhauer Insurance Inc., we help homeowners secure comprehensive home insurance policies to ensure they’re protected in the event of a flood. We have locations in Halifax and Dartmouth, and our experienced brokers can help you find the right policy to suit your needs. We also offer car insurance, tenant insurance and life insurance. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.