How to Protect Your GTA Home from Flooding After a Major Snowstorm
The Greater Toronto Area just experienced a massive snowstorm, and while the winter wonderland may look beautiful, all that accumulated snow poses a serious threat to your home.
As temperatures rise and the thaw begins, homeowners across Toronto, Vaughan, Woodbridge, and surrounding areas need to be prepared for potential flooding and water damage.
At iReno Eavestrough and Siding, we’ve seen firsthand how proper preparation can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.
Why Snowmelt Flooding Is a Serious Concern
When large amounts of snow melt rapidly, the water needs somewhere to go. If your home isn’t properly equipped to handle this runoff, you could face basement flooding, foundation damage, and costly water damage throughout your property. The GTA’s freeze-thaw cycles make this especially problematic, as ice dams can form in eavestroughs and prevent proper drainage.
Essential Steps to Prevent Snow Melt Flooding
- Clear Your Eavestroughs and Downspouts: This is the most critical step. Clogged or frozen eavestroughs cannot direct water away from your foundation. Before the thaw hits, ensure your eavestroughs are clear of debris, ice, and snow. If you notice any damage, sagging, or blockages, it’s time to call in professionals for eavestrough repair or replacement.
- Inspect Your Fascia and Soffit: The fascia boards that support your eavestroughs and the soffit underneath your roof overhang are critical components of your home’s water management system. Damaged fascia can cause eavestroughs to pull away from your home, while compromised soffit can allow water infiltration into your attic.
- Check Your Siding for Gaps: Water can seep into your home through damaged or improperly installed siding. Look for cracks, gaps, or warping that could allow melting snow to penetrate your home’s exterior.
- Direct Downspouts Away from Your Foundation: Downspout extensions should carry water at least six feet away from your foundation. This simple measure can prevent basement flooding and foundation damage.
- Remove Snow Banks Near Your Foundation: If snow has piled up against your home, carefully relocate it away from your foundation before it melts. This reduces the amount of water that will pool around your home’s base.
What to Do If You Experience Water Damage
Despite your best efforts, sometimes water damage happens. If you discover flooding or water damage in your home after a snowstorm, time is of the essence. Water damage worsens by the hour, and what starts as a minor issue can quickly lead to structural damage and mould growth if not addressed immediately.
For Greater Toronto homeowners and businesses dealing with water damage emergencies, Impact Restore provides rapid-response water damage restoration services for commercial and residential properties. Their certified technicians can be on-site within two hours, equipped to assess, contain, and restore affected areas while preventing further structural and health hazards. They also provide comprehensive documentation for insurance claims, making the recovery process as smooth as possible.
Prevention Is Your Best Investment
The cost of preventing water damage is always far less than the cost of repairing it. Investing in quality eavestroughs, properly installed fascia and soffit, and well-maintained siding is the best way to protect your home from the elements year-round.
At iReno Eavestrough and Siding, we’ve helped over 1,500 GTA homeowners protect their properties with high-quality eavestrough installations and exterior renovations. Our experienced team serves Toronto, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Bolton, Concord, Maple, King, Bradford, and surrounding areas.
Schedule Your Free Inspection Today
Don’t wait until the next storm hits. Contact iReno Eavestrough and Siding today for a free inspection and quote. Our team will assess your eavestroughs, fascia, soffit, and siding to ensure your home is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
Call us at (647) 360-8479 or fill out our online form to get started. Your home deserves the best protection, and we’re here to deliver it.
Stay safe this winter, GTA!
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