Clear snow and ice
Prevent water damage by regularly clearing snow and ice away from your home during cold months.
On this page
Who should take action
- Homeowners
- Renters (housing type dependent)
- Landlords and property managers
- All homes with:
- ground level floors, crawlspaces or basements
- Most important for homes with:
- previous water damage
- poor exterior drainage, such as property grading that leads water toward the home
- cracks in walls and foundation
- poorly sealed basement windows
What it is
Clearing snow and ice is an important way to reduce water damage to your home.
When temperatures increase, meltwater from snowbanks around your foundation can enter your home. Especially when combined with rain, it can lead to basement flooding and damage your foundation over time. This risk is higher for older or poorly graded properties without adequate property drainage.
Benefits
Clearing snow and ice from around your home and off of your roof will decrease the chances of:
- water pooling and seeping into your foundation and basement windows when temperatures fluctuate
- structural damage leading to leaks from heavy snow on your roof
What you'll need
- Snow shovel
- Roof rake
- Snow and ice breaker
- Ice-melting salt
What's involved
Clear your roof
- Work in pairs or hire a professional to clear roofs and eavestroughs safely
- Use a roof rake to remove snow from your home's roof
- clear eavestroughs and the roof's edge
- work slowly and safely by raking small amounts at a time
- limit buildup of more than 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.)
Some households may choose to install roof heating systems to eliminate ice, ice dams and snow build up on roofs.
If ice dams persist, it could be a result of poor insulation in the attic or the highest floor of your home. Consult a professional about checking your attic insulation and roof ventilation to make sure it's adequate.
Clear around your home
Monitor snow and ice buildup regularly around your home.
- Remove snow and ice around your home's foundation, walkways, and downspouts
- Apply ice salt to help break up large, thick patches of ice
- Remove snow and ice inside window wells
- Install covers on window wells to prevent buildup
- Frequently clear snow and ice near exhaust vents to ensure proper ventilation and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
- Shovel snow about 1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft.) away from your foundation, where possible
When to do it
Keep on top of snow removal regularly during the winter months to make the work more manageable.
Take action:
- after a major snowfall
- when multiple smaller snowfalls have accumulated to approximately 15 cm (6 in.)
- when rain is forecasted and there is existing ice and snowpack around your home
Be flood ready
Flood readiness requires regular upkeep just like any other home or property maintenance task. Make snow and ice removal part of your seasonal maintenance checklist.
Seek support from a local professional, friend, family or neighbour if you're unable to complete this task on your own.