After getting record levels of snow this winter, everyone is looking forward to putting away their shovel for the season. Before you do, there’s one more area that should be cleared before the warmer weather arrives.

Cleaning the snow from around your home’s foundation can prevent huge problems as the melting snow and flooding becomes an issue.

Melting snow that has accumulated around your house needs somewhere to go, and the last place you want to find it is in your basement. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage from melting snow, and the best way to make sure you don’t have problems is to do a little preventative work now.

Tips for dealing with melting snow

• Ensure that melting snow can get away from the house and drain normally. Snow piled near the house can cause icy buildup that forces water into the ground around the house and foundation.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. One foot of snow on a 1,000 square foot roof will melt to about 2,500 gallons of water. That much water is going to cause problems unless it has somewhere to go.
• Move snow on the ground away from the house. On ground that is sloped 1 inch per foot around the house, moving the snow as little as 3-5 feet away from the foundation can significantly reduce problems.
• Make sure your sump pump is clean and running smoothly. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit and make sure the discharge water is carried several feet from the house.

Correcting Drainage

If water is an on-going problem in your yard or basement, consider correcting drainage issues by installing grading or drain tile. Both are solutions that help water easily move away from your house and take care of the problem permanently.

Sound like more then you want to take on? Give your back a break and call Mike at Great Goats Landscaping today. He and his team can remove snow from around your house to reduce problems from snowmelt and flooding the spring. Don’t wait too long. Their schedule is filling up fast, and spring is just around the corner.