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A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover flooding due to the spring thawing of snow and ice. In order to be protected, you need to purchase a separate flood insurance rider to add to your policy from Gallina and Sons.
How to Prepare for Possible Spring Thaw Flooding
Every spring has homeowner’s in Pittsburgh, PA worrying about the spring thaw and possible flooding of their homes. The winters seem to be lasting longer with more ice and snow each year. When the temperatures warm, the ice and snow melt and create much more water than usual around your home, especially if you have a basement.
How to Protect Your Home from Spring Flooding
Your first area of defense in preparation is to clean the debris from all of your rain gutters twice a year in the spring and fall. This keeps them clean so that they don’t overflow. You should also check all of your gutter connections to make sure they are watertight and do not leak. The drainage system on the ground should be far enough from your home to the downspout, so the water is diverted away from your house. A good rule of thumb is for the downspouts to empty at least 10 feet away from your foundation.
Your landscaping around your foundation can help to divert melted snow and ice naturally. Make certain that the ground slopes away from your foundation and basement so that water can run off and away from your home. Another good tip is not to shovel snow near your foundation, or you will only make matters worse when it melts.
In Pittsburgh, PA, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a humidifier plus a deicer in your basement. Your basement can harbor musty odors, mold, rust and sweating pipes, and humidity. Controlling the humidity levels and keeping your basement dry will help to control all of the smells in your basement.
Check all of your plumbing pipes and make sure they are well insulated before the first freeze approaches. Any leaks should be repaired quickly so as not to cause water or flood damages to your home.
We at Gallina and Sons are here to help you navigate the waters of flood insurance so that your home, as one of your most significant assets, is protected fully. You can contact us by phone or in person to learn more about flood insurance on your homeowner’s policy.
