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An Urgent Virginia Homeowner Tip for December 2009

Clear your downspouts of snow and ice so water can drain away from your house!

Last weekend’s 20+ inches of snow is going to hang around through the holidays, but Northern Virginia homeowners need to plan right now for the rain that is forecast for Christmas Day right into Boxing Day. Yes, rain is forecast and, potentially,  a lot of it.

Snow and ice can dam downspouts & cause trouble

Although you may have a homeowner insurance policy that covers water damage, dealing with water coming into your home is a losing battle. Water flows to the lowest point and if there is a snow dam around your castle home then your basement is the lowest point. Water will get absorbed into carpet, drywall, wood studs and your concrete floor,  and once there it may take a week or two to dry out.

Take a look at your downspouts and make sure they have room to drain. You may need a shovel to build a channel through the snow away from the foundation at least six feet into the yard.

So, before you wake up with all the excitement of an eight year-old on Christmas morning in Virginia this year, know that it is going to rain today.