News Transcript:
The warm weather is here, but with it has come headaches all over the city. Water main breaks and burst pipes are affecting homes, schools, and businesses, while thawing attics are causing even more damage.
Tyler Barrow has more on The Big Melt.
It has been a chaotic few days for some residents in Abbeydale. Many woke up Thursday to find out they had no water.
"It's little things that we don't think about. The big thing is just hand washing. We have three kids at home, and we depend on the water."
And they’re the lucky ones. Of the 30 homes impacted in the area, Richard Cook came home to six inches of water in his basement.
"I walked down there, and my feet were wet instantly. I took another step, and it was like—it's quite inconvenient. No water and stuff."
Some of his possessions were salvageable, and damage assessments are ongoing throughout the city. Water main breaks are taking a toll—10 have been reported since Thursday in all four quadrants of the city.
The city says this is a common result of a long cold stretch followed by a sudden warm-up.
"During the really cold spells, some water main breaks can actually be somewhat hidden because they freeze as soon as they reach the surface."
Officials recommend people have a 72-hour emergency kit prepared in case their home is affected. That includes having enough water and food ready.
Bursting pipes aren’t just a problem underground. Five Calgary Board of Education schools have reported similar issues. Meanwhile, attic rain is keeping local roofing experts busy.
Chris Rayner from Superior Roofing says rapid ice buildup followed by a quick melt can lead to serious structural problems.
"It could be blocked soffits. It could be poor R-value. It could be HVAC pipes not connected properly. We assess the situation and fix the problem."
He says repairs can cost anywhere from $200 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the damage.
-----
The transition from Calgary’s brutal winter to spring may feel like a relief, but for many homeowners, it’s turning into a costly nightmare. The sudden warm-up has triggered a wave of issues across the city, including burst pipes, water main breaks, and the dreaded attic rain—a problem that’s keeping roofing experts busier than ever.
Water Main Breaks & Burst Pipes—A Citywide Headache
In neighborhoods like Abbeydale, dozens of residents woke up to find themselves without running water. The culprit? Water main breaks, a common result of prolonged cold spells followed by an abrupt rise in temperature. City officials have reported at least ten breaks in all four quadrants of Calgary since last week, leaving homes, schools, and businesses scrambling to deal with the consequences.
For some, the inconvenience is manageable. But for others, like Richard Cook, the damage is devastating. He came home to find six inches of water in his basement, soaking belongings and threatening the structural integrity of his home.
“I walked down there, and my feet were wet instantly,” he said. “I took another step, and it was like—this is bad.”
The city is urging residents to have a 72-hour emergency kit on hand, including food and water, in case of unexpected water disruptions. Repairs are underway, but for many affected homeowners, the bigger concern is what happens next.
The Hidden Danger Above: Attic Rain & Ice Dams
While burst pipes and basement floods are obvious threats, many homeowners are dealing with a less visible but equally destructive issue: attic rain and ice damming. As ice and snow rapidly melt on rooftops, water finds its way into homes, causing leaks, mold, and insulation damage.
Chris Reier from Superior Roofing has been busy responding to calls from homeowners battling attic rain.
“It could be blocked soffits, poor insulation, or improperly connected HVAC pipes,” he explains. “When warm air escapes into the attic and meets the cold roof deck, condensation forms. Over time, that moisture builds up and starts raining down inside the house.”
The worst part? Many homeowners don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. By the time they notice water stains on ceilings or walls, the damage has already begun.
What Can Homeowners Do?
If the recent thaw has you worried about your home’s integrity, here are a few steps you can take:
✔ Check your attic for moisture buildup – Look for damp insulation, water stains, or mold growth. ✔ Inspect your eavestroughs and downspouts – Ensure they’re clear of ice and debris so melting snow drains properly. ✔ Improve attic ventilation – Proper airflow prevents warm, moist air from getting trapped. ✔ Schedule a roof inspection – A professional can spot weak points before they turn into expensive problems.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late—Protect Your Home Today
The freeze-thaw cycle isn’t going anywhere, but you can stay ahead of the damage. If you suspect attic rain, ice dams, or other roofing issues, Superior Roofing is here to help. With years of experience tackling Calgary’s toughest weather-related roofing problems, we provide expert inspections, repairs, and long-term solutions to keep your home safe year-round.
Don’t let winter’s last punch catch you off guard—schedule your roof inspection today!
Comments