Keep Your Home Dry This Winter: Prevent Basement Water Leaks

We know that the rainy season isn’t good for basements. Rain and floods make it difficult to keep water out of your home. Few people know that the risk of basement water leaks in the winter can be just as high as the rainy season.

If your home is not waterproofed, the wintry conditions could make your home vulnerable to water leaks in the basement. How can winter be just as dangerous as the rainy season? When the ground temperature is below freezing, snow can accumulate around your house, waiting for the ground temperature to rise. When it does warm up enough, the melted snow can seep into your house, causing water damage and leaks in your basement.

So, how can you make sure you don’t step into a puddle of water when you head to the basement this winter? To prevent water leaks in your basement, the best thing you can do is check your basement walls and have a professional address any potential issues you see. A professional will be able to connect any problems to foundation issues. Clogged gutters can contribute to water being able to seep into your basement. Before winter hits too hard, check your gutters for cracks and clean out any leaves and debris. Also, check your downspouts and ensure that they send the water away from your home.

It is best to spend a little time preparing now to prevent time and money lost because of water leaks or flooding in the basement (not to mention the health hazards, damage, and losing items due to a flooded basement). Hoping that your home won’t be affected by winter water damage is not enough preparation.