Water damage from snow melting

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Snow varies

The type of snow will depend on the water amount in it. A light powdery snow may contain as little as .1 inches of water per 10" of snow which is not a lot. A dense snow like the kind that feel like you went to the gym and lifted weights by the time you are done shoveling is much more water dense and can have up to 1-3" of water per 10". Being we end up with several different types of snow throughout the winter we can't really count on what we will have for ground moisture. The thing is to be prepared for problems when all that snow melts. The ground can be frozen making it harder for the water to get down into it. A particularly snow heavy winter can leave a lot of flooding issues. We can however do some things to help keep the snow melting from flooding our basements.

What can I do?

• Make sure you have eaves that run away from the house so the snow melting on the roof can get it away from the house
• Shovel snow away from the house if you have had flooding caused by snow melt or rain before. 5' Away from the house is recommended
• If you have a sump pump verify it is working
• Check for cracks and leaks in your basement and repair them

If you do get water in the basement it is important to get it out as quickly as possible to avoid water damage and possibly mold growth from the extra moisture in the house.

Flooded Basement? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900