Spring Thaw and Water Damage

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was caused by their sump pump not working.

Every year homeowners in West Michigan are hit with the harsh reality of winter, worrying about everything from snowy driveways to power outages.  We all look forward to spring and warmer weather, but the thaw can lead to problems.  As temperatures rise, leftover snow and ice, as well as the frozen ground, begin to thaw out.  This thaw creates excess water that can cause water damage, in home flooding, and other issues around your home.  The following tips are to help you protect your home from the effects of the spring thaw:

• Shovel the snow near your home - if there is snow still up against your home, shovel it away so it can melt somewhere away from your house.  You should also remove anything in your yard that may obstruct the draining of melting snow and ice.
• Inspect the drainage system - make sure the drainage system on your property is free of obstructions so the melted snow and ice can drain away from your home.  Open your roof drains and make sure the floor drains are free of debris.
• Check the gutters and downspouts - gutters and downspouts allow water to runoff from the roof to drain away from the home.  During the winter, debris such as twigs, leaves, and ice may block the gutters.  This can lead to a range of issues from water damage or leaks on the roof to basement flooding from the water buildup near the foundation.  It is extremely important to clear any debris from your gutters and downspouts to allow for proper drainage.
• Inspect your roof - check the condition of your roof to make sure there is no damage from the winter.  Hiring a professional to inspect your roof is the best and safest option.
• Protect items - move valuable or important items like personal documents, electronics, and paintings to upper floors.  Try to get everything in your basement off the ground onto a shelf or milk crate.
• Test your sump pump - early spring is the perfect time to test your sump pump.  This will help ensure that it is working to prevent flooding in your basement.
• Consider flood insurance - homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage which is why you should consider flood insurance.  A flood insurance policy will protect your home in case of flood damage.

As the weather starts to get warmer, protect your home from water damage caused by the spring thaw with these tips.  Following these tips can help prevent basement flooding or water damage on your roof or foundation.

If you do experience water damage or flooding, contact SERVPRO of Muskegon to restore your home properly, 231-733-7601