Winter in Edmonton brings no shortage of snow, ice, and a whole lot of extra water. With this water comes a slew of potential risks for water damage, which can last well beyond the season itself. As a homeowner, how can you protect your home against these winter water challenges?
In this short blog with Grimebusters, we’ll be exploring a few key steps you can take to ensure your home remains protected against water damage this winter. Proudly Canadian and family-owned since 1994, we’re your local water damage restoration experts in Edmonton. Let’s dive in.
#1: Check Your Sump Pump
Many homeowners in Alberta have a sump pump located in the basement or lowest level of their home. Sump pumps are the unsung heroes of homes, serving as a safeguard against various types of flooding. Whether it’s excess water from the constant freeze/thaw cycle or a broken pipe, your sump pump will ensure it drains properly.
Sump pumps are a vital part of water protection during the winter defrost period. Fortunately, homeowners can easily test their sump pumps to ensure they’re working. Simply pour a few buckets of water into the sump pump’s reservoir. If it’s working, it will immediately turn on and drain the water. At Grimebusters, we offer sump pump installations and replacements for homeowners seeking an extra layer of protection against winter water damage. If you’re in need of water damage restoration in Edmonton, we’re here to help remediate the damage and ensure your sump pump is properly set up for the future.
#2: Clear Away Ice Dams
Though icicles may appear picturesque, they’re often indicative of less-than-stellar water damage to your home. Ice dams are one of the most common issues that plague homeowners in Edmonton when temperatures dip below freezing. During the winter, warm air from the home’s interior rises to the roof. Once this heat meets the snow on the roof, this snow eventually melts down and refreezes near the edge of the roof. This refrozen water buildup eventually forms a dam, preventing additional water from effectively draining from the roof. You may also see icicles forming along the edges of the roof.
Edmonton homeowners can mitigate the risk of ice dams by regularly removing ice and snow before they have a chance to form dams. However, if you’re already noticing ice dams on your roof, don’t attempt to remove or melt them yourself. Attempting to chip away at these blocks may cause permanent damage to your home. Instead, seek out a water remediation specialist, like Grimebusters, to assist. We can efficiently and carefully remove ice dams within just a few hours, helping prevent the need for future water damage restoration in Edmonton.
#3: Keep Water Draining Outdoors
Water rarely stays put, especially during winter thaws when melting snow has nowhere to go. If left unchecked, this excess water has the potential to drain into the home through leaks, cracks, and porous concrete. Fortunately, homes have multiple drainage points designed to direct water away without the need for water damage restoration services in Edmonton.
Homeowners should ensure that any nearby ice and snow have a clear path to drain. This includes ensuring that downspouts are unblocked and properly located, as well as clearing snow away from cracks in the foundation.
Keep Winter Water Damage at Bay
Water damage doesn’t wait, and neither should you. If you’ve noticed any of these concerns in your home this winter season, Grimebusters can assist. Contact us today to book your appointment for water damage restoration in Edmonton. With over 30 years of experience supporting Edmontonians in dealing with water damage, heavy-duty cleaning, home reconstruction, mould remediation, and beyond—we’re here to help your home next.