How to Prevent Melting Snow From Damaging Your Home

The best way to help protect your home is to be proactive.

While we are welcoming those spring-like temperatures here in the Hudson Valley, we wanted to remind you of some tips to keep in mind as the thaw sets in and the snow begins to melt to help protect your home.  The meltdown can bring heavy water which can clog gutters, damage drainpipes that may still be frozen as well as saturate foundation material.  

Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Clear away snow from around your home. This winter has brought a few heavy storms our way which may have lead to the accumulation of several feet of snow on your property. As all that snow melts, water will inevitably seep into the construction materials of your home. For this reason, it’s advisable to clear at least a foot around the sides of your home.
• Use ice melt combined with sand to combat slick surfaces. Melted snow that freezes again results in dangerously slippery surfaces. Ice on your driveway can even cause your vehicle to slide, which could result in property damage and injury. Since pure ice melt can cause the concrete in your walkways and driveway to crack, try mixing ice melt with sand. If you have pets, choose ice melt that’s proven not to hurt their paws.
• Clear away snow from the roof. Once you’ve cleared sufficient space around your home and made sure the driveway and walkways aren’t slippery, you can clear your roof. Stand on a sturdy ladder — be sure someone is there to help hold it to keep it stable — and use a roof rake to remove the snow from the roof.
• Make sure the gutters and downspouts are free of debris. All that melting snow has to run off your roof and away from your property. Check the gutters and downspouts, and if there’s any buildup of dirt and debris, scoop it out and dispose of it appropriately. This can also help prevent ice dams from forming if the temperature drops again.
• Clean the drains. Your downspouts should be positioned so they lead water to the drainage system. Clear the drains of any debris, so water won’t pool in those areas.
• Check that your sump pump is in good working order. When water levels are high after a thaw, your sump pump leads water away from your basement to prevent flooding. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual to run a check on the device to see if it’s in good working order. If it isn’t, call a plumber to have it repaired as soon as possible.

By taking the time to minimize the risk of melting snow from damaging your property, you can protect your investment and help you and your family enjoy a safe, warm and comfortable home all year long.

If you do experience any damage, be sure to reach out to your insurance agent to see what coverage you have under your homeowners policy.  

Questions?  Feel free out to reach out to one of our certified insurance agents Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, or email us at info@antalek-moore.com