Winter in Regina has a unique charm, but it also comes with its share of challenges, including snow accumulation. While it’s great to admire the pristine white blanket from your living room, homeowners must act to ensure that all that snow doesn’t cause significant damage to their roof or foundation. Ignoring the buildup can lead to costly repairs, from water leaks to structural issues.
This post will guide you through effective snow removal tactics to safeguard your home and help keep damage at bay. From preventing ice dams to clearing snow from your foundation, here are some actionable home maintenance tips customized for Regina’s snowy winters.
Understanding Ice Dams and How They Harm Your Roof
What Are Ice Dams?
Ice dams are thick ridges of ice that form along the edges of your roof. They typically develop when snow on your roof begins to melt, then refreezes in the gutters or colder areas near the roof's edge. This process creates a barrier of ice that traps additional melting snow.
Why Are Ice Dams Dangerous?
Though they may seem harmless at first glance, ice dams can wreak havoc on your home. When the melted snow has nowhere to go due to the blockage, it backs up toward your roof. This water can seep under shingles, through seams, and eventually into your home. The result? Water damage, leaks, insulation problems, and even mold growth.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
Remove Snow with a Roof Rake:
Invest in a roof rake—a handy tool for safely removing snow without climbing on your roof. Use it to clear snow roughly a third of the way up your roof. This prevents excess weight and reduces the risk of snow melting and forming ice dams.
Insulate Your Attic:
Heat escaping from your attic can accelerate the snow melting process. Ensuring proper attic insulation can help maintain a consistent roof temperature, reducing the risk of ice dams.
Improve Roof Ventilation:
Proper ventilation allows cold air to circulate, slowing down the melting and refreezing process. This can go a long way in preventing ice dams from forming.
The Risk of Snow Accumulation Near Your Foundation
Melting Snow Around Your Home
Once the snow on your roof melts, it trickles down and often settles around the base of your home. If this water has no clear path to escape, it can seep into small cracks in your foundation, causing damage over time. Even sturdy foundations aren’t immune to these issues, so prevention is key.
Potential Damages
Water seeping into your foundation can cause cracks to expand, further weakening structural integrity.
Water infiltration can lead to basement flooding, ruining stored belongings and increasing cleanup costs.
Moist environments in basements encourage mold growth.
How to Protect Your Home’s Foundation
Shovel Snow Away:
Clear snow at least 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) from your home. This simple act prevents large pools of water from collecting near your foundation when the snow melts. Use a sturdy snow shovel or hire a professional if dealing with heavy accumulations.
Check Your Sump Pump:
Your sump pump acts as your home’s first line of defense against excess water. Take time to inspect it and ensure it's functioning properly. A sump pump failure at the wrong time can result in costly basement flooding.
Check Street Drains and Sewers:
Storm sewers near your property can easily become clogged with ice, snow, and debris. Make sure to clear the drain closest to your home to facilitate proper drainage.
Don’t Wait for Trouble to Pile Up
By being proactive with these snow removal tactics, you can prevent ice dams, protect your foundation, and avoid unnecessary repairs.
If snow removal feels overwhelming, don’t go at it alone. Contact Jody at No Mow Snow (306-591-1381 ) for professional snow removal service, or reach out to me for another recommendation.
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