Are you ready for spring melt? The spring melt can leave you with a flood of problems. Here are some helpful tips to keep wet weather effects from entering your home! The snow can  melt quickly, so your home may be at risk of flooding, even if it has never leaked or flooded before.

Snow-Covered Roofs Lead to Leaks

• Remove snow accumulation from your roof to avoid ice dams. The freeze/ thaw cycle can create a layer of ice underneath the snow.
• Be cautious when removing snow from your roof – use a snow roof-rake and stay safe.
• The ice accumulates at the roof edge and can lead to water penetrating below the shingles and entering the attic.

Prevent Basement and Yard Flooding

• Remove snow from around your foundation. Pay particular attention to the areas around window wells
• Consider taking proactive solutions such as using sandbags to block water from entering low-lying areas beside your foundation.
• If water is getting close to your foundation, use an appropriate pump to drain it to the gutter or back lane Please use all equipment properly and follow safety guidelines.
• Keep the snow in your yard. Shoveling onto streets or lanes could block drainage.
• Clear snow and ice from around the bottom of your downspouts and extend downspouts at least two metres so water drains away from your foundation.

Pumps
Remove water from problem areas

Downspout Extenders
Funnel water away from foundations

Ice Melt
Keep walkways safe

Visit your local Co-op home centre today to protect your house and find solutions before they become problems!