Six Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Home for Spring Thaw

04/04/2011
Temperatures are starting to rise above the freezing mark across Canada. While this means flowers are on their way, it also means homeowners have to be on the lookout for flooding and water damage. Here's a quick checklist of things you need to do to prepare your home.

1. Install flood detectors on your alarm system

Your Reliance Protectron dealer can install flood detectors in the basement, laundry room, or in any other problem area. We can help you stop a problem as soon as it starts.

2. Remove snow piled around your house

Prevent water from leaking into your basement during the thaw by moving snow away from your walls. Snow often melts all at once and can get into your basement through cracks very quickly. You can fill these cracks with cement or by waterproofing your foundation walls.

3. Install a dehumidifier in your basement

Having a dehumidifier running in your basement during rain storms can prevent mold and condensation from building up in trouble spots. A cheap portable unit should be sufficient for most basements.

4. Waterproof foundation walls

Once every five years, waterproof your foundation walls and make sure any installed drains are not plugged and working properly.

5. Install a sump pump

If your basement is prone to flooding, make sure you install a good sump pump and perform regular maintenance on it to ensure that it works when it is most needed.

6. Cover up the dirt

If you have a dirt floor in crawlspaces, this is a huge source of moisture. Consider a moisture membrane or, if you can afford it, a concrete floor.

Find your local security dealer today to discuss incorporating water alarms as part of your Reliance Protectron home security system.

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