Tips to prevent spring water damage

Seepage into your property through leaks and cracks are the most common form of water damage once the winter snow melts.

Here are some easy steps you can take to prevent flooding and water damage to your home:

Ways water can enter your home: How to protect your home:
Ice Damming

• As heat rises in your attic, ice will melt as it warms and refreezes when temperatures drop. With this combination, water can start to build within the eaves troughs and under roof shingles. If it has nowhere else to drain, the water can enter from the roof into your home through the insulation and walls, causing water damage and even mould.
• Remove any ice or snow from your eaves troughs so water can flow freely (for example, use a broom to safely knock down any icicles hanging from the gutters).
• If you wish to remove snow from your roof, do so safely. Do not climb directly on the roof or use a rake to remove snow as both actions may damage your roof. Alternatively, Iit is best to hire a professional to safely clear snow and ice.
• If the extent of ice damming is significant, consider contacting a professional roofer or gutter-cleaning expert.
• Pooling water.
• Melting snow can pool and seep into the soil next to your foundation. Over time moisture may build and “bleed” through your basement walls.
• Be sure to check corners or joints where the wall meets the floor for any seepage.
• Clogged and overflowing gutters
• Clogged gutters can cause water to spill over the side, down the walls of your home and seep into the foundation.
• Always ensure your gutters are clean and free of debris.
• Improperly positioned downspouts
• Water and spring run-off that pool too close to your home can seep into your property through leaks and cracks, especially in your foundation.
• Ensure downspouts are positioned away from your home. If needed, utilize an extender to direct water two to three feet away from the foundation.

Most homeowner’s policies will cover water damage if it is considered sudden and accidental, and is not caused by freezing. Depending upon the insurer, flooding is either not covered or has only limited coverage available, so it is important to take steps to prevent any damage to your property.

If you are unsure whether your current home insurance policy provides coverage, we encourage you to read our complete guide to water damage and your insurance. Here, we cover topics such as when you may not be covered as well as more tips to protect your home from water damage year round.

Taking steps to protect yourself from water damage, including adequate insurance coverage will help give you peace of mind. Your BrokerLink broker can work with you to review your home insurance policy and to identify ways you can further protect yourself.