Ah, spring! The snow has its last hurrah and warmer days are back for good... or almost. Since spring also means rain, there’s unfortunately also a higher risk of water damage. Take a good look around your property to make sure your home stays dry during this year’s spring showers.

Roof

When temperatures rise and snow accumulation on the roof begins to melt, the risk of seepage rises as well. Take advantage of the warmer weather to check your roof and repair minor issues to prevent possible water damage.

• Examine the condition of the roofing materials for signs of wear and aging (missing or loose shingles, buckling, upturned corners, etc.).
• Make sure there is enough gravel to fully protect the layer of asphalt. Gravel prevents black surfaces from overheating and reflects ultraviolet rays, preventing premature damage to the membrane.

If your roof needs to be replaced, there are some shingle options that are more resistant to harsh weather changes – some high-performance shingles are resistant to winds of up to 220 km/h, others such as Class 4 shingles that can withstand hailstones of up to 2 inches in diameter.

Roof maintenance can be dangerous. If necessary, seek the help of a professional.

Gutters, downspouts, and drains

During winter, the weight of the ice and snow may have weakened your gutters, and they may be blocked by various debris. This is why spring maintenance is important. Here's what to do:

• Remove leaves that have accumulated in the gutters.
• Check that the gutters are securely attached.
• Pour water into the gutters to ensure that there are no leaks, and the water is escaping down the drainpipe.
• Make sure the downspouts divert water as far away from the foundation.

Doors and windows

Heavy rain can seep through any opening. That’s why you should do the following in the spring:

• Inspect the seals around doors and windows to make sure they are watertight.
• If needed, repair caulking and replace weatherstripping.
• Get rid of any debris from the window wells that could prevent water from properly draining away from them.

Foundation

Once the ground has thawed, it’s very important to check the foundation’s condition to identify any problems and prevent damage due to water seepage.

• Thoroughly inspect the foundation, both inside and out. Have a specialist repair any cracks immediately.
• Seek professional advice if there are signs of efflorescence (white deposits), seepage or localized humidity. This can mean a foundation drain malfunction (e.g., clogged drain).

Drain in front of the basement garage door

The accumulation of leaves or other debris can prevent the drain from working well. What should you do?

• Clear the grate of the drain in front of the door of any debris (e.g., leaves, ice, snow) to allow water to escape.
• Also clean the drain underneath the grate so that the drain is not obstructed.
• Move the gutter drainpipes that empty onto the slope of the garage entryway to prevent the drain from becoming overloaded.

Backwater valve to stop sewer back-up

The backwater valve is part of the plumbing system and is in the basement. Its simple open-close flap does an important job: making sure the municipal sewage system doesn't back up into the drains. You'll need to clean it as part of your seasonal routine for it to work properly. Here's how:

• Remove the cover and unscrew the access plug (note: if you have a cast iron valve with a bolted cover, it's best to have a plumber do it).
• Make sure the flap opens and closes freely. Remove any debris and check the condition of the gasket.
• Replace the flap and make sure there's nothing preventing it from opening and closing.
• Screw the access plug back on tightly and replace the cover.

Your property insurance

These precautions will help you welcome spring and avoid unpleasant surprises. But, for peace of mind, it’s best to be properly insured as well.

This article is being provided by APEGA on behalf of The Personal which has a group sponsorship agreement with regards to home and auto insurance for our members.

The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories of Canada.The information and advice in this article are provided for informational purposes only. The Personal shall not be liable for any damages arising from any reliance upon such information or advice. The Personal recommends using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, expert advice.

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