Here, in the Greater Toronto Area, the temperatures really love to fluctuate. As a result, homeowners are faced with a pretty big concern: melted snow. Heavy snowfall followed by rapid temperature changes can lead to significant water accumulation around your property. Without proper preparation, this water can seep into basements and damage foundations causing costly repairs. What can be done to prevent this from happening?
Here are four smart methods of preventing basement flooding from melted snow:
1. Clear snow away from your home’s foundation.
Well, if there’s nothing close to your home that can cause a flood, your chances of avoiding one are pretty high, right? Take out that shovel or snow blower and do a little more than simply clear your driveway. Clear snow at least one to two metres away from the foundation of your home. This will prevent melted snow from pooling against your walls and seeping into your basement. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas where snow naturally accumulates. Corners and window wells come to mind.
“If your home has window wells, you’ll want to keep them clear of snow,” warns Tarion, “Snow accumulation in window wells can cause water to enter your basement when it melts, where it can cause damage to window frames, walls, and other finishings. Another option to consider is to safely cover your window wells during winter months.”
2. Ensure proper grading around your home.
“Grading around a house is the process of sloping the ground away from the foundation to allow water to drain away from the structure,” explains Inspection Works, “Proper grading is essential for the longevity and stability of a house, as it helps to prevent water damage and foundation issues. In our home inspections, grading is one of the most common issues we find to report on in homes older than 15 years or so, where the land around the house is poorly graded.”
The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation to encourage water runoff. If you notice areas where water pools close to your home, consider adding soil to improve drainage. This task is especially important after a heavy snowfall or rainfall. Make it a point to walk around your home and observe where water tends to gather.
3. Seal foundation cracks.
Conduct a little inspection. Do you see any small cracks in your home’s foundation? If so, be warned that they can allow water to seep into your basement. Inspect your basement walls and floors for any visible cracks and seal them with waterproof sealant.
As Direct Basement Waterproofing tells us, “foundation cracks can lead to serious structural damage if left untreated. Common causes of cracks include concrete shrinkage, soil movement, hydrostatic pressure, and temperature changes.”
4. Install a new sump pump.
A sump pump is your basement’s first line of defence against flooding. It collects excess water and pumps it away from your home. Firstly, make sure that you regularly test your sump pump to ensure that it is functioning properly. Secondly, consider installing a battery backup system. It will keep your sump pump running during power outages.
Bear in mind that a noisy or malfunctioning sump pump can cause serious concerns, especially during heavy rainfall. At 2 Bro’s Plumbing, we offer expert sump pump and sump pit services to keep your basement dry and protected! To learn more, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
