Don’t ruin your holidays with a flooded basement. You don’t want to spend time cleaning and mopping up water in your basement instead of spending time with your family and friends. More importantly, you don’t want to spend your money on costly repairs instead of great gifts for your loved ones.
Many people think that your basement will only flood during heavy rain periods, it is important to understand that these events can take place year-round.
Snowy weather is quickly approaching which means heavy snow fall, rain and snow melts are a big threat to your basement. Temperatures will sometimes fluctuate, causing the snow to melt. When snow melts it has the same effect as rain on your basement.
How do you know if your basement is prone to these threats? Below are four reasons your basement might leak during the winter.
1. Cracks in Your Basement Wall and Floor…
The most common place for water to enter your basement is through basement cracks in the wall and floor. Moisture will accumulate outside the basement walls in the soil, creating moisture to put pressure on the basement wall. The moisture needs a place to escape so it finds the cracks in your basement floor and wall.
2. Downspouts, Gutters and Window Wells Draining Improperly
If your downspouts, gutters and window wells aren’t installed properly, they can drain too close to your house. Water draining right beside your foundation can create hydrostatic pressure, forcing the water inside your basement. The main function of these external water management systems is to direct water away from your home, not direct more water towards it. Keeping leaves and debris out is another way to help water flow away from your home.
3. Basements Radiate Heat, Melting the Snow
The ground around your home is cold and covered in snow, while your basement temperature is warm. This will cause your basement to radiate heat causing the snow around your house to melt. As the snow melts around your foundation, moisture will build up between the frozen ground and your basement. The moisture doesn’t have anywhere to go so it enters your basement through cracks.
4. Your Sump Pump Is Not Working Correctly
Many basements have a sump pump to keep water out. Make sure to check your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly to avoid flooding. Sump pumps are designed to collect water and pump it out of your basement, keeping it dry. If a sump pump is installed incorrectly, has not been maintained and/or has clogged drains it will stop working.
Avoid a wet basement this winter with Basement Authority of West Virginia
Winter will be here before we know it. You don’t want to wait too long to get your basement waterproofed. Why not stop a leak before it causes too much damage? Basement Authority of West Virginia uses the best products to protect your basement, giving you peace of mind all the time.
When you start to take the journey towards waterproofing and winterizing your basement, we encourage you to call Basement Authority of West Virginia. We have provided dry basements to the state of West Virginia for more than ten years.
Let one of our specialists come out and inspect your basement for a free, no obligation estimate!
