By: HouseMaster Home Inspections

For many homeowners, clearing snow after a storm is merely an annoyance. In South Dakota, it is a way of life. Here are a few tips to keep a little or a lot of snow from becoming a big problem:

1. As you focus on clearing walks, steps, and driveways, also take time to consider drainage as the snow accumulation melts. Avoid piling snow against the foundation, even if the surface is graded correctly away from the house. If the basement leaks, it would be advisable to remove the snow from the area altogether.

2. After heavy snow, check your gas meter; a buried gas meter can freeze and restrict gas flow into the home properly.

3. Ensure your furnace exhaust is not buried in the snow or iced over. Covered exhausts could cause harmful gases to enter the home or your furnace not to work properly.

4. Before using any calcium chloride or other melting agent, think about whether the corrosive run-off will flow into areas of plantings, pet traffic, or pools.

5. If adequately drained by gutters, the roof should be left alone, except for removing any ice buildup at the eaves.

6. Driveway salt can be a useful tool in helping with slipping; however, it can also be a hazard to your concrete and wear the concrete down faster than you would like.

7. Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information are available online at housemaster.com.

8. HouseMaster Home Inspections is here for you. We offer residential & commercial inspections, radon & mold testing, as well as termite inspections. Call us at 605.361.6000 for all your inspection needs.