Locations across Canada
Most of Canada experiences a snowy climate; you already know the routine—clear your driveway and sidewalks after every storm. But there’s another area that needs just as much attention: the space around your home’s foundation.
When snow melts, all that water needs somewhere to go. If it’s piled up against your house, it can seep into tiny cracks in the foundation and lead to basement leaks or flooding. And when temperatures drop again, that trapped water can freeze, expand, and make those cracks even worse.
Even with no pre-existing foundation cracks – and almost all foundations have hairline cracks – melting snow can still cause problems. Saturated soil expands, and that added pressure can push against your foundation, causing bowing or cracking over time.
Keeping snow cleared away from the perimeter of your home is a simple step that can prevent expensive foundation damage down the road.
Finally, whether you decide to shovel snow around the foundation or not, ensure you keep any vents clear of ice and snow.
