ASSINBOIA — Saskatchewan residents aren’t out of the winter woods yet, however, the warm temperatures and water flowing around us as a result of warmer temperatures reminds us that water woes can cause spring headaches for home and property owners. It’s like spring cleaning, in proactive measures style, only outside our home
SGI regularly issues helpful resources and tips for those wanting to be proactive in potential problems caused by spring thaw at their homes and properties.
Check eavestroughs and downspouts for debris and ice that will prevent water from running through to downspouts. Fix any damaged pieces. Ensure downspouts are in good condition and aimed away from the foundation, and if they’ve been beaten up by the ravages of winter, now is a good time to replace them.
If you haven’t cleared snow away from the edges of your roof to protect from ice damming, you may want to check for water stains on your roof and in your attic.
Check around your foundation and find any cracks or leaks that need to be filled, which prevents air from leaking out of your home and prevents water and critters from getting inside.
Protecting storage items inside in plastic containers is a much safer option than cardboard in the event of water seepage. Place these storage containers off the floor of the basement or garage for added protection.
Here are other steps and tips:
• Shovel snow away from your foundation – Piling snow against your house increases the risk of water seeping into your basement.
• Keep window wells clear – Remove built-up snow and ice around basement windows.
• Clear storm drains – If you can do so safely, clear debris and ice from nearby storm drains to improve street drainage. Otherwise contact your community’s public works crews and notify them of them buildup and drainage issues and they will address the concern.
• Use sand or ice melt on walkways – Melting snow can refreeze overnight, creating hazardous conditions.
Never drive over flooded roads as you never know the hidden dangers beneath the water. In communities, this water pooling often conceals asphalt failure or potholes that can damage vehicles. Low-lying underpasses can quickly deceive the driver as to how deep the water is. On the highway, flooded roads do not accurately show the driver how deep the water is or can be or the strong current that may be running in that water.
Ensure your insurance is up to date and talk to your insurance provider about coverage that may include spring thaw conditions such as ice dam damage, overland flood coverage or vehicle flood damage.
