After months of freezing temperatures and piles of snow, you’re probably looking forward to the first days of spring. While you might welcome the warmer weather, rapidly melting snow can saturate the ground and work its way into your basement, causing damage that your homeowners insurance policy may not cover. Below are a few tips for keeping snow runoff out of your house.

4 Tips for Prevent Melting Snow From Damaging Your Home

1. Keep Snow Away From Your Foundation

Keeping an area around your foundation clear will help direct runoff away from your house. Create a snow-free perimeter around your home by shoveling or blowing anything within five feet of the foundation wall, especially when you know warm weather is on its way.

2. Test Your Sump Pump

When some moisture penetration is unavoidable, a sump pump will get rid of excess water. As the snows start to melt, test your sump pump to ensure it’s working, and have any issues repaired immediately.

3. Have Foundation Cracks Repaired

Even the smallest cracks can allow water into the basement, causing extensive damage that your homeowners insurance might not pay for. If you notice any cracks on the interior or exterior of your home, call a foundation repair specialist to inspect and repair them immediately.

4. Ensure Downspouts Are Working Correctly

When evaluating the risks of melting ice, don’t forget the snow on your roof. Your downspouts are responsible for directing water runoff away from the house, where it can’t pool around your foundation. Check to ensure that your drains are clear, and that the pipes direct water away from your house.

Before spring is sprung, review your homeowners insurance policies and purchase a flood rider to protect your most valuable investment against water damage. The agents at Financial Strategies Group Inc. DBA Arlene Lear Insurance have been serving Bolivar, MO, homeowners for over 40 years, providing personalized service and coverage tailored to your needs. Visit their website or call (417) 777-3000 now to request a homeowners insurance quote, and follow their Facebook page for more tips and expert advice.