Tips to prevent flooding with the coming thaw.

Yes, we’ve all had enough of the cold weather and snow this winter and many of us are looking forward to seeing it all disappear …but, all that water has to go somewhere.  As little as 6 inches of melting snow and ice can lead to flooding – in our streets, and in our homes.  During the first thaws, the ground is still frozen, so water will run across the surface instead of seeping into the ground.  This makes our homes more susceptible to water intrusion and associated damage.

Here are a few tips to help prevent damage from all that water:

• dig snow out of window wells and basement exterior stairwells (including any drain areas)
• remove any snow a few feet away from outside doors, and dig a path for water to flow away from your home
• be aware of ice dams (view past article here) – try to clear gutters and downspouts and prepare drainage paths away from your home for areas where roof runoff is likely to occur
• after the thaw, inspect and repair roof shingles and flashing as needed to prevent water damage in the future
• homeowners who experience basement flooding each year with the spring thaws should check their sump pump to make sure it is operational before the season begins

For information about whether your insurance coverage protects you from water damage from snow melt flooding, please feel free to contact our offices (in Cooperstown at 607-547-2951, and in Morris at 607-263-5170).  Wishing all our clients and neighbors a safe and DRY spring!