It’s been a weird winter all over the country, but the end is near! Although that means that freezing temperatures, large snowfalls, and everything else that Old Man Winter has thrown at us this year is almost over, we have some other things to keep an eye on. A flooded basement this spring, or bowed wall can cause you a lot of trouble.
No More Snow
All of the snow and ice we’ve got this year have to go somewhere. When the warm weather returns, that snow will melt and soak into the ground. The soil is frozen and will also thaw, releasing more moisture into the soil. The oversaturated earth will push against your foundations with a good chance of the water entering your basement or crawl space. If there is snow piled up against your building, clear it out before it begins to melt. The snow closest to the wall will probably melt first and just run down the sides of your foundation. A flooded basement might be the least of your worries.
Tut Tut, It Looks Like Rain
In addition to the snow and ice melting, the spring season is usually a rainy one. The already soaked soil now has to handle inches of rain, some of it falling quicker than the ground can absorb it.
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and emptying away from your foundation walls. We recommend the openings to be at least 10 feet away from your home or business.
Now is a good time to make sure your waterproofing system is in optimum shape, if you don’t have a waterproofing system, NOW is the time to install one.
Prevention is Key – Avoid a Flooded Basement this Spring
Check Around Your Foundation
We all look forward to warmer temperatures and the green grass and flowers that come in the spring, but, if you’re not careful, you can also have a flooded basement or crawl space. Don’t be one of the people that have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs due to water damage and other problems caused by flooded basements. Even if you have flood insurance, you could end up paying more than $10,000 in repairs.
There are some steps you can take to check your home or business for leaks. Take a look around and inspect your exterior foundation and the walls, floors, and windows for cracks. Water doesn’t need a very big crack to enter your foundation and cause a big problem. If you find a crack, you can try repairing it yourself, but it is better to call an expert. A small crack on the outside could be hiding a very large crack inside.
As we said above, make sure gutters and downspouts are draining correctly. This is the number one cause of flooded basements and an easy one to remedy. You should have a downspout for every 600 to 800 square feet of roofing to adequately handle the runoff.
Look for low spots or sunken concrete around the foundation. If the ground is sloping towards the building, the water will not drain correctly and pool up against the foundation wall. Most experts recommend that the soil slope downward six inches for the first four feet away from the foundation.
Waterproofing Solutions for Flooded Basement this Spring
A wet basement can be more than just an inconvenience. You and your family could be exposed to mold and mildew, the foundation could be weakened, insects and other pests could infiltrate your home, and your structure could be damaged. It is important to keep your home dry.
An expertly installed waterproofing system will keep your basement dry and your home safe. Our experts will inspect your property and suggest the best system for your situation. This may include basement drainage channels, sump pump systems, waterproofing membranes, and exterior waterproofing systems.
Waterproofing your basement is not a DIY project. There are some steps you can take if your basement has flooded, but you will want to call in a professional for more permanent solutions. You can hide small problems that grow into big problems. These will take more time and money to repair, or if left unrepaired, could potentially damage your foundation and lead to structural damage. Don’t let a flooded basement this spring turn into a year round headache.
Contact Jerry’s Waterproofing today to keep your home or business dry, safe, and secure.