With temperatures on the plus side in the forecast for the next week, SGI has some spring melt tips to avoid a property insurance claim.
They include raking the remaining snow off your roof, and check your eavestroughs and gutters for signs of ice dams.
While you are doing that, SGI advises to also remove debris that could slow the flow of water.
Shovel snow away from the foundation of your home, and check the grading in your yard, to make sure it is sloping away from the foundation, so the melt water leads away from your home.
SGI Canada says on its website, “An inch of water in your basement is no fun to deal with and sewage is even worse!”

-Rake remaining snow off your roof.
-Check your eavestroughs and gutters for signs of ice dams and/or remove debris that could slow the flow of water.
-Shovel snow away from the foundation of your home.
-Check the grading in the yard to see that it is sloping away from the foundation, allowing melt water to lead away from your home.
-Extend your downspouts away from the home by at least two meters.
-Check your backwater prevention valve on the main line of your sewer, if your home has one – is it in working condition?
-Check on your sump pump and pit to make sure everything is in good condition and ready for melt water.
-Check your basement regularly for signs of water.
-Check that storm sewer grates in your neighbourhood are clear of debris.
-Items stored in your basement should not sit directly on your basement floor and plastic watertight containers would help protect your items from water damage.
-Don’t store irreplaceable or valuable items in your basement.