Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob: We've had our share of snow, we've had our share of winter, and we've had our share of mild temperatures here in January. And Greg Marcyniuk, our insurance expert at Heritage Insurance in downtown Moose Jaw is here to talk about snow melt protection tips today. And this is very important. These are very important things for the homeowner.
Greg: That's correct, Rob, because, you know, the weather has been up and down. We've been getting down to minus 30 earlier and we're getting rain now and we just don't know what the weather's gonna be. But we do have a snow accumulation and, you know, come February, March, the weather is going to get better and snow is gonna start melting. So, it's very good that you are prepared for the snow that's melting, because if you didn't do the job that you should have done in fall, that we've talked about numerous times as making sure your clutter is out of the downspouts are fixed and have directed the water away from the home. You definitely wanna do that now because if you see any sort of pooling when the snow starts to melt, there can be problems for your foundation, for your basement. So, very important that you take a look at these things. The importance of functioning downspouts, again, should be checked in the fall.
I can't say that enough, but right now you should be looking at what that path of water is coming from your downspout and making sure that everything is clear of debris around there. Any snow, any ice, and that that water is going through. As well you wanna make sure that your roof is properly maintained. And check and see if there's any sort of accumulation on snow on your roof because just to avoid the water damage or ice damming. And, you can certainly do that now or as I would like people to do if they aren't able to hire a contractor to go up and do an inspection either in February or March and make sure that there's no accumulation of snow or ice up in your eave troughs or anywhere around there. And if there is, clean that up. As well the slope of your property is very important, because otherwise if you notice any water pooling again, there's a clear sign that your grading is not correct.
Your typical appropriate, degree slope away from your home is five degrees. The other thing that's very important is to inspect your foundation for cracks. Again, melting snow will always find a way through your cracks, whether it be a crack or a window well. So, additionally, the snow melts, the water will seep into your lawn soil and this causes hydrostatic pressure against the foundation. And water will find a way into your basement. So, a really good idea to keep the snow clear away from your foundation, whether you take your snowblower out or a snow shovel and around your stairwells, window wells. So, it prevents that water seeping in through the cracks. The other big thing is taking care of your sump pump. And the sump pump basically is your plan B in the event water does seep in through into your basement. You should always make sure that your sump pump is working and it's not always foolproof.
And typically power outages come hand in hand with flooding. So, it's a good idea to have a backup power of some type so that you can keep that sump pump running. And again, it does need regular inspections. And another good idea is to have an alarm as always, whether it be just a septic alarm or a monitored alarm system so that you're covered 24/7 with that alarm system. So, just a few tips about what to do as we come close to spring and we are getting closer. The days are getting longer and hopefully, it gets warmer.
Rob: You're an optimist.
Greg: I sure am Rob.
Rob: For these tips and all your insurance needs, you just have to visit Heritage Insurance in Downtown Moose Jaw corner of First Northwest and Fairford Street and online.
Greg: That's correct. At heritageinsurance.ca.
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