As snow begins to melt, it can risk causing water damage to homes if owners haven’t taken precautions. As a matter of fact, almost half of property claims volume submitted by Allstate customers was due to water damage from 2019 to 2022.
As snow thaws, water can seep into your home’s foundation, crawl spaces and basements. If not properly attended to, this can lead to structural damage and the potential for mould and mildew. These can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
How Can Melting Snow Damage My Home?
When snow melts, the water needs somewhere to go. If your home’s drainage systems are not functioning properly, this water can seep into your home and cause damage.
Additionally, as the ground thaws, it can shift and settle, which can lead to foundational cracks and cause other structural damage. If you plan on doing some spring cleaning, consider also taking steps to help protect your home from water damage. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Want more detailed information on how to take care of your home to prevent water damage? Read more about the importance of spring home maintenance and how spring rainfall can have an impact on your house.
How Can I Protect My Home From Water Damage?
Inspect the Outside of Your Home
The first step in reducing the risk of damage caused by spring snow thaw is to ensure the home’s gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. When gutters become clogged, water from the melting snow on the roof can overflow and pour down the sides of the house, which may seep into the foundation and cause significant damage.
Water collected in clogged gutters can also freeze, which can cause them to sag or pull away from your home.
Homeowners should inspect their roofs for any signs of damage that might have been covered with snow, such as missing, cracked or curled shingles.
It is essential to have a professional fix roof damage as soon as possible. This will also protect your home from leakage from any heavy rains.
You can also shovel snow away from your house to make sure that, as it melts, the water seeping into the ground does so away from your home’s foundation.
Next, check your home’s grading. It should slope away from your home, so water is directed away and does not pool around the foundation and seep inside. We offer landscaping tips to help prevent flooding, or you can hire a professional to upgrade your drainage system.
Finally, inspect your home’s foundation for cracks and other damage. If you notice any issues, it’s important to address them as soon as possible with the help of a professional. Foundation damage can lead to a host of other problems, including water damage, mould and mildew as well as pest infestation.
Inspect the inside of your home
Another important task is to check your home’s sump pump, if it has one. A sump pump is designed to remove excess water from your basement or crawl space. If your sump pump is not functioning properly, as the ground becomes waterlogged, water can accumulate inside and cause damage. Test your sump pump before the spring thaw to make sure it is working properly.
If you have a basement or crawl space, you may also want to consider installing a dehumidifier. Moisture can accumulate in these areas, especially during spring, which can lead to the growth of mould and other fungi. A dehumidifier can help to keep these areas dry and prevent moisture-related issues.For more helpful advice, be sure to check out our Tips to Help Prevent Your Home from Spring Flooding. You can also test your water risk and water damage knowledge.
The information that appears on this page is provided to you for informational purposes only. The wording of the actual insurance contract prevails at all times. Please consult the insurance contract for complete descriptions of coverage and exclusions. Certain conditions, exclusions and restrictions may apply.