Keep Your Home Snug and Dry

Roofing and waterproofing contractors are gearing up for a busy Spring. An exceptionally harsh winter, spring rains combined with melting snow and spring’s freeze-thaw cycles all contribute to ice damming and basement flooding.

One of the simplest precautions to prevent ice damming and the resultant roof damage, is a well-maintained soffit and downspout system. Having the eavestroughs cleaned in the fall helps prevent ice damming from causing expensive roof damage. The damage occurs when moisture is forced up under the roof’s shingles during the freeze and thaw cycles of the winter and spring months. Clean gutters will also be better equipped to handle the heavy spring rains to come.

Eavestroughs should be securely fastened to the fascia, otherwise water will run down the walls of your home resulting in damage. Broken or leaking troughs should be repaired and hangers secured. If the system is not doing its job, it might be time to replace old and battered eavestroughs with a sturdy, new system that will be more effective and improve the look of your home’s exterior.

A common cause of spring basement flooding is downspouts that are not properly directed away from the foundation of the house. A splashblock placed at the end of the downspout will discourage water from pooling near foundation walls and finding its way into your basement.

Improper grading is another common cause of poor drainage. The slope around the home’s foundation should be graded (about a half-inch slope per foot) to direct water runoff from heavy rains away from the foundation.

With some regular maintenance, your eavestrough system will protect your roof and keep your basement snug and dry.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club