How Do You Protect Your Home from Snow Melt?  

How Do You Protect Your Home from Snow Melt?  

Even though we’re stuck in the middle of winter, with temperatures regularly hitting -30°C and snow piled waist-high, it’s a fact that we’re only a month or so away from brighter days. Hang on, because soon enough the temperature will be (almost) tolerable, the sun will shine, the flowers will bloom, and the snow will melt. This all sounds positive, but melting snow can wreak havoc on your home if you are not prepared.

Understanding the Dangers of Melting Snow

When the snow and ice on your roof begin to melt, the resulting water needs somewhere to go. If your gutters and downspouts are clogged or broken and unable to safely direct water away from your home, this water will pool around your foundation. Likewise, as the snow on your lawn begins to melt, it will direct toward your foundation if your site is not properly graded. Both of these could cause major issues if you have a foundation crack. Snow melt will seep into your basement causing water damage, mould, or worse.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of a complication when the snow melts and keep your property safe. Let’s get started:

The Importance of Functioning Downspouts & Gutters

In the fall, you need to check the gutters and drain systems around your house – before the snow even starts. Make sure they are clean and clear, and not clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris. Follow the path of water and make sure it is being directed safely away from your home, otherwise you may have to add additional drains. Once the snow hits, make sure the area around your downspout is clear so snow/ice don’t clog it. You can certainly do these home improvement projects in the winter, but it’s always easier in the fall. In March/April, do another inspection, as windy weather or the weight of ice/snow could have caused new damage.

The Slope of Your Properly

The slope of your property should always be inclined away from your home, otherwise melting snow will trickle toward your foundation and possibly find a way in. If you notice water pooling, this is a clear sign of a grading issue that needs to be addressed ASAP. Your property should have a minimum five-degree slope away from your home.

Inspect for Foundation Cracks

Who cares about a minor crack in your foundation? You should! If you have any issue with your property grading or gutters/downspouts, melting snow can find a way into your home through foundation cracks (no matter how small), cracks around window wells etc. Additionally, as the snow melts the water will seep into your lawn’s soil, causing a phenomenon called hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure presses against your foundation, and water will find a way out – into your basement.

Take Care of Your Sump Pump

A sump pump is your home’s “Plan B” in case of a water leak. Should there be water accumulating in the basement, the sump pump will drain it away and keep the basement dry. A sump pump is not foolproof, however. It runs on electricity, so you need to invest in a backup power source because flooding and power outages often go hand-in-hand. It also needs regular inspections and testing to make sure it is working right. If you like, you could get a sump with an alarm which could alert you of the sump’s efficiency.

Addressing a Problem With Snow Melt

Nobody gets results better than the professionals at City Residential Foundation Repair – it’s our job, after all. Make sure you hire a reputed, professional waterproofing company to get the job done right the first time.  It is a small price to pay for perfection and peace of mind.

Remember, a healthy home and a safe home is a happy home. Make it through the initial snow melt, and warm sunny days are ahead!

 

 

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Reviews

A JOB WELL DONE BY 'CITY FOUNDATION'

I would have no hesitation in recommending City Foundation. They fixed up my foundation last summer and although the old house produced a few surprises, the professionals at City Foundation got around the problems cheerfully and completed the work. From the start, Chuck kept me informed of all of my options. If I asked for something not already in the plan, he would try to accommodate me if at all possible Chuck and his colleague Don were friendly, and respectful. They showed up every day, put in a solid day's work and always left the property clean, neat and safe for us to move around. And, the price was fair with no surprises. Great guys, good job!

- Jennifer A 5/30/2015

Excellent service, friendly

We had Chuck and his team repair a crack in our cold storage room - they were punctual, neat, and friendly. The job was completed very quickly with great results. Would definitely hire them again and recommend them to friends.

- Janet M. 5/26/2015

Good job!

Chuck did a very good job. He promised to be finished by a certain date and he was good to his word. He kept me informed of his progress through pictures sent to my email account while I was at work. My backyard is nicely landscaped and there was no damage or debris left in my yard - just a new window well and no basement leaks.

- Kathryn T. 4/14/2015

Can't say enough about the workmanship of Chuck and his crew. They assessed the problem(leak in the foundation) quoted me a price, booked appointment, showed up on time and did a very professional job.The work site was cleaned up to the point it was hard to tell there had been any serious digging at the site. If I have similar problems with my foundation they will be the first people I will call!! I would not hesitate to recommend Chuck and his crew if you have foundation problems that need repair. Duncan Hardie

- Duncan H. 4/12/2015

Professsional and Polite

My experience with City Residential was very positive. I had a crack on my foundation and knew we needed it fixed. They came in and addressed the situation and did the work cleanly and professionaly. Our property was kept nice and tidy during the repairs and they worked safely during the work. Its been a few years now since the work and no issues whatsoever. I will be using them again once we decided to fix a few areas around the garage that they pointed out would need fixing someday. Very happy and positive experience.

- Chris L. 4/6/2015

Foundation Crack (back) and Drainage (front)

The foundation crack at the back was difficult to get to and difficult to dig out. The work was done well and on time. the drainage trench at the front was also done very well and on time. I hope I don't need Chuck again but if I have foundation, drainage issues, he will be my 1st call. bc

- Barry C. 3/30/2015

This is a highly professional company with reliable, honest service. Chuck, the owner, came exactly when promised, took the time to listen to my concerns, explained the problem in an easy to understand language, described in great detail how it could be fixed, and what was - and what was not - necessary. Chuck and his team's attitude and service were at all times very honest, courteous and highly professional. Although I needed to be out of town, there were no surprises or additional costs, and everything was left tidy and clean. Chuck even followed up a couple of days later to check if everything was all right and done to my satisfaction. All in all, I was very impressed with the quality of work and the services received and would highly recommend the company.

- Beate A. 3/30/2015

City Residential Foundation Repair

Chuck Naish and his team from City Residential Foundation Repair were excellent to deal with in every aspect. Their level of integrity throughout the entire process was outstanding. They were honest, respectful and their ability to explain the process and the solution options were extremely helpful to us. The scope of the project was big, however Chuck walked us through every step of the way; assessment, testing, options and repairs which resulted in a very successful outcome. In addition, Chuck and his team were able to complete the necessary repairs with minimal impact to our newly completed landscaping which included a lot of hard scape, tiered armour stone, gardens and a pool. They kept the work site impeccable over the duration of the project. We have and will continue to highly recommend Chuck Naish for his very professional and skilled foundation repair work.

- Annette and Rick B. 3/8/2015

My experience with City Residential was great. Chuck was very friendly and very easy to deal with. I especially appreciated that he was able to come by and do the estimate in the evening when I was off work. They did the work exactly as they said they would, no surprises (which in my mind is the most you can ask for). I was really surprised by how clean they left everything in the evenings and when the job was complete. They will definitley be the first people I call if I ever need more foundation work.

- Charlie A 3/2/2015

Weeping Tile system replaced

We are very please with the work that was done. It was always a pleasure to speak with the owner and explain to him what was going on. Although we found the job to be pricey, it is impossible for us to determine if it was adequate or not at it's hard to compare to others. He ran into several problems at my house while doing the job and he took it upon himself to call the City at two different occasion so they could do some testing before he could go on. Safety was very important for them so they took all the necessary precaution so that no one could get hurt or fall into the hole that were done all around the house.

- Gisele P. 1/29/2015
10 Reviews
90% Would Recommend