After the Snowfall: How to Protect Your Home During Snow Melt & Freezing Temperatures
After the Snowfall: How to Protect Your Home During Snow Melt & Freezing Temperatures
We all know what it’s like to wake up after a big snowfall and feel relief — the worst is over, right?
Not quite. After the snow comes the snow melt and refreeze cycle, and that’s when many homeowners start experiencing issues like basement leaks, ice dams, and foundation stress.
Here in parts of our area, we just got hit with over a foot of snow, and now freezing temperatures are moving in. That means the snow on roofs and around homes will begin melting during the day and refreezing at night — a dangerous cycle that can cause real damage if not addressed.
Why Snow Melt + Freezing is a Problem
When snow melts and refreezes, it creates:
1. Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow melts from the roof and refreezes at the edges, blocking proper drainage. This can cause water to back up under shingles and leak into the home.
2. Basement Leaks
Snow melt turns into water that can seep into the ground around your foundation. If it freezes, it can expand and create cracks — and when it melts again, water can easily find its way inside.
3. Foundation Pressure
When snow melts, the ground becomes saturated. Add freezing temps and thawing cycles, and you have shifting soil and pressure on your foundation.
What You Should Do Right Now
1. Clear Snow from Around Your Foundation
Use a shovel or snow blower to create a 3–4 foot perimeter around your home free of snow. This helps prevent water from pooling near your foundation as the snow melts.
2. Check Your Gutters & Downspouts
If they’re clogged with ice or debris, water has nowhere to go except into your home.
Tip: Make sure downspouts are extended at least 4–6 feet away from the foundation.
3. Remove Snow From the Roof (Safely)
If you can safely do so, remove snow from roof edges to prevent ice dams.
Don’t climb on the roof — instead, use a roof rake from the ground.
4. Keep Your Basement Dry
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Check your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly.
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Clear snow away from window wells and basement egress areas.
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If you have a basement dehumidifier, consider running it during thaw cycles.
5. Watch for Cracks & Water Stains
If you notice:
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new cracks in the foundation
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wet spots or efflorescence on basement walls
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musty smells
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water pooling near the foundation
…it’s time to take action before the problem worsens.
Why This Is a “Critical Time” for Your Home
As temperatures rise during the day and drop at night, the melting and freezing cycle becomes a “repeating damage machine.”
If you’ve already had a lot of snow, you don’t just need to worry about the snow itself — you need to worry about what happens when it melts.
What Keystone Basement Systems Can Do for You
If you’re noticing any signs of water intrusion or foundation stress, don’t wait until the next thaw. Our team can help with:
Basement waterproofing
Foundation repair
Sump pump installation & upgrades
Crawl space encapsulation
We’ve helped countless homeowners protect their homes from winter melt and spring flooding — and we’re here to help you too.
📞 Want a Free Inspection?
If you’re concerned about water seepage, ice dams, or foundation damage after the snow, give us a call. We can evaluate your home and recommend the best solution before the next thaw.