How to protect your house after snow storm

So, it’s winter, and depending on where you live this can mean a few months of snow, and lots of it. If you live in the Northeast, then you are no doubt still digging yourself out from under the 18” to 32” of snow that fell over the weekend. While the current tri-state (NY/NJ/CT) forecast calls for unseasonably high temperatures (nearly 50 degrees in some places by Sunday) and that surely is a lot more pleasant than another blizzard, the huge downside of this is that all of that snow is going to start melting. There will inevitably be flooding in some areas especially since the hard ground won’t be able to quickly absorb so much moisture, and as a result, there will be water damage to homes and property.
There’s not much that could be done about the weather, but there are steps you can take to minimize or eliminate the risk of water damage due to snowmelt. Here are some quick tips from the EPA that can save you time, money and a huge headache this winter:
Ensure that downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.
• Move snow on the ground away from the house. Water from the snow may cause a wet basement if its able to run down a basement wall. If the ground is sloped 1 inch per foot near the house, moving the snow just 3-5 feet from the house will reduce problems.
• Check and clean your sump pump. If you don’t have a sump pump, get one. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area. Also make sure that the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from freezing.
• Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil conditions. A 20-foot diameter 10-foot high pile of snow contains about 2,600 gallons of water.
• Clear out basement window wells of snow to prevent it from seeping through window frames.
• Remove snow from doors and windows to prevent water intrusion.
• Clear the areas around exhaust pipes and air vents on heaters, furnaces and dryers.
• Ensure that drains and gutters are free from dirt, debris or ice.
• Remove snow blocking roof vents.
• If you leave home for an extended time, don’t turn off the heat as this could result in frozen pipes that could burst and cause serious water damage.



And, if you find that you do have water damage in your home or basement, call us and we will schedule a free, no-commitment inspection of your home as soon as possible. Or, if you don’t have a problem yet but suspect one brewing, don’t wait until the next snowstorm leaves a flood in your basement, call us and get the problem solved now, and avoid a costly headache later. Call now 973-732-0023 or visit us at www.rikawaterproofing .
Happy Holidays!