That first warming winter day in Orillia usually brings a sense of relief, but for many homeowners, it also brings a sense of dread. If you’ve ever walked into your basement during a thaw only to hear the squish of wet carpet, you know that water doesn’t wait for an invitation. While spring might feel distant, the heavy snow currently sitting against your foundation is a ticking clock.
At McLean & Dickey, we’ve been protecting our neighbours in Simcoe County and Muskoka since 1922. We know that a proactive approach today can save you from a massive restoration project tomorrow. Our mission is to provide you with peace of mind through complete insurance solutions, and that starts with prevention.
Why the Thaw Hits Hard
In our region, the transition from winter to spring is often rapid. When a large volume of snow melts quickly while the ground underneath is still frozen, that water has nowhere to go but toward your foundation. This creates hydrostatic pressure, essentially a heavy weight of water pushing against your basement walls. If there is a tiny crack or a weak seal, that pressure will find it.
According to research from Forbes, water damage and freezing are among the most frequent and expensive types of property claims, with the average claim cost reaching into the thousands depending on the extent of the finishings.
4 Steps to Protect Your Home Today
You don’t need a construction crew to safeguard your basement. Most of the best preventative measures just require a pair of boots and a few hours of effort.
1. The Five-Foot Buffer: Walk around your home and move any accumulated snow at least five feet away from the foundation walls. Pay close attention to areas where roof valleys dump extra snow or where drifts have piled up high against the siding. By clearing this perimeter, you ensure that the initial melt happens away from your masonry, giving the water a chance to find a natural drainage path before it pools against your home.
2. Sump Pump Stress Test: Your sump pump is the heart of your basement’s defence system. If it has been sitting idle all winter, the motor could be seized or the float switch might be stuck.
- Pour a five-gallon bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure it triggers.
- The pump should kick on automatically and clear the water quickly.
- Consider a battery or water-powered backup system. In Orillia, spring storms can lead to power outages; a backup ensures your pump keeps working even when the lights go out.
3. Inspect the “Hidden” Entries: Window wells and downspouts are common culprits for sudden flooding.
- Clear all snow and debris from your window wells.
- Check your downspout extensions. They should carry water at least six to ten feet away from your foundation.
4. Monitor the Foundation: Wait for a quiet day and inspect your basement walls with a flashlight. Look for new hairline cracks, especially near corners. While some settling is normal in Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycle, these cracks are the primary highway for moisture. Sealing them now prevents infiltration and protects your home’s structural integrity.
Understanding Your Coverage
Insurance policies are not one size fits all. As an independent insurance broker, McLean & Dickey works for you, the client, and not the insurance carrier. This means we can provide unbiased advice on the specific types of water protection you need.
There are three major types of water coverage you should verify before the thaw:
- Sewer Backup: Covers water forced back into your home through drains or septic systems.
- Ground Water: Covers water entering through foundation walls or floors due to rising water table.
- Overland Water: Covers water entering from above ground level due to rapid snow melt or heavy rain.
We work for you and not the insurance company. In the event of a claim we will advocate on your behalf to negotiate the best possible outcomes. Ensuring you have the right endorsements now means you won’t be left unprotected when the ground softens.
Don’t wait for the water to start rising to check your coverage. If you have questions about your property insurance or want to ensure you have the best protection at the most comprehensive price, we are here to help.
Contact McLean & Dickey today for a personalized quote and ensure your home is ready for the spring thaw.