Anybody who doesn’t live under a rock is well aware of the harsh winters in Ottawa. The cold gets uncomfortable by mid-January, and even the promise of Beavertails at Winterlude is barely enough to make you want to bundle up and go outside. Beyond our personal comfort, winter can also wreak havoc on the home.
Heavy snow and ice collect all winter long, and as the temperatures begin to warm the melting water than results can seep into your basement and cause untold trouble. Every problem has a solution, however. Even though we’ve just had our first big snow fall, you can still take steps now to make sure your home can handle the winter and come out damage-free when the snow melts in the early spring.
Here are a few tips from the pros at City Residential Foundation Repair to make sure your home and basement are kept safe and dry this winter:
When you are clearing your driveway of the snow, also shovel near the house and move the snow away from your foundation walls. Otherwise, it will harden into a wall of thick snow and ice and could potentially seep into your basement when the temperatures warm. It’s a simple step and it will make a big difference.
Your gutters and downspouts have a job to do: direct rainwater and melted snow safely away from your home and your home’s foundation. If they are broken, clogged, missing, or otherwise damaged they can’t do this job. Either do it yourself or hire a pro to clean dirt, leaves, twigs, and debris out of the gutters and make sure everything is in good working order. Also make sure downspouts are in place and directing water a safe distance from the home.
Like everything, pipes can also freeze. When frozen, they tend to crack and there comes a flood. Make sure all pipes are well-insulated to minimize the risk of freezing. If you are going to be out of town for a while, make sure the heat is kept on warm enough so the pipes don’t freeze.
Double check the sump pump and its back up power source. Should it fail to work properly, you are looking at a heap of trouble.
If you notice the tiniest hint of basement flooding, call a professional for help right away. Long term damages are a tedious, elaborate and expensive process that can easily be dodged with a little help, investment, and attention. Enjoy this winter without being burdened with worry about the house by preparing a little ahead of time.
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