How to Prepare for Snowmelt

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Spring snow melt can cause water damage.

This recent Michigan winter has seen some interesting fluctuations in weather, both in terms of the temperature and the precipitation. Snowstorms have been followed by warmer, sunny days, which quickly eliminate the snow that had piled up. Then, it all happened again with another couple inches of snow falling just days later. Even though the weather may be a tad unpredictable, there are plenty of things you can do when it comes to snowmelt preparation and protecting your home.

Believe it or not, the earliest prep you can do for melting snow can come way before the first snowflakes drop. During the fall, you will want to be sure that your gutters are clean and clear from leaves and other debris. Melting snow can end up refreezing in the gutters, which can cause roof ice dams and damage your home.

Ice dams will form when the temperature in your attic or higher levels in the house are above freezing, and the snow on the roof melts and flows down the roof. Once the melted snow hits colder areas, like overhangs or gutters, it refreezes. Ice dams will cause water to pool, and if given enough time, that water can back up into your home through the roof shingles, leading to water damage to ceilings and walls.

Along with making sure your gutters are clear, preventing ice dams requires more snow removal and maintenance than normal. Keeping the amount of snow on your roof to a minimum can be tricky, but by using a roof rake, or a long-handled shovel, can pull heavy loads of snow off the roof. Inside your home, improving the insulation and ventilation in your attic can also help limit or prevent the occurrence of roof ice dams.

Throughout the winter, you will need to be ready to prepare both the inside and outside of your home. Michigan homeowners know the routine when it comes to clearing snow from their driveways and sidewalks, but the last thing you want to do is pile snow against the side of your home. As that snow melts, the water can go straight to the foundation.

Other areas that need to stay clear of snow include stairwells, window wells and egress exits. Drains near these areas also need to be kept clear so water can be redirected away from your home and not into the basement. Also, your sump pump discharge lines need to lead to a slope and not to an area where the water can accumulate and freeze.

Start with the sump pump when you do your indoor preparation, and perform any maintenance that it may require before a winter emergency can arrive. Next, as you inspect areas in the walls and flooring, repair any cracks and fill joints or other spaces before they can get worse. Any waterproofing that can be done should be done.

Lastly, as the temperatures steadily get higher and we move into spring, you will want to do an inspection of those areas that could have been affected by the snow melt. The gutters are the most likely victims to have been hurt by snow and ice, and repairs to the gutters should happen before the rain comes. Your landscaping also may need to be refreshed, and fixes to the grading should be done to help direct water away from your home.

No matter what you might be facing this season, SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids is here to help you recover as quickly as possible. For more information on protecting your home from melting snow, call SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids today at (616) 662-9700. Our specialties include fire, water, and storm damage restoration for residential and commercial clients. We also do mold and mildew remediation and much more.