Fall is an amazing time to prepare your home for the upcoming challenges of the winter season. The crisp and dry weather makes it easier to spot potential issues.
Some of these include cracks and leaks. You also get a chance to see those areas where water may seep into your basement once winter storms hit.
It’s crucial that you address vulnerabilities early on. This is the only way that you will be able to protect your home from potential water damage. The end result of doing this will be a healthier living environment and great peace of mind. This will be the case even when winter storms strike.
This article gives proactive basement waterproofing steps you need to take prior to the winter storms.
Protecting The Basement Foundation
Why Fall is the Best Time for Basement Waterproofing
The weather in fall is typically mild. This means that there won’t be delays caused by snow or freezing temperatures. Therefore, contractors will have an easier time completing projects.
It’s also the season before heavy rains and storms become more prevalent. Hence, it’s an amazing time to handle moisture issues. Doing this, in fact, helps prevent leaks and water damage during the colder months of the year.
You should hence take the needed action in fall. Doing this will help you avoid costly emergency repairs later on. Taking this action will help you go into winter knowing your home is well safeguarded.
Essential Fall Basement Prep Steps
Inspect for Cracks and Leaks
It’s good to note that even the smallest openings in walls and floors can allow moisture to seep in. Once this happens, it has the potential to cause significant damage. This is especially true once heavy rains and snow arrive.
You can do the assessment by simply walking through the lower level with a flashlight. As you do this, check joints and areas near plumbing for signs of dampness or hairline fractures.
It’s vital that you detect issues early on. This is the only way that you will be in a position to seal problem spots way before storms intensify.
Clean and Maintain Gutters & Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts can experience debris buildup. This can be in the form of leaves and twigs. Once these elements accumulate, they end up blocking the normal flow of water. The result of this is overflow close to your foundation.
This excess water can seep into cracks. This causes dampness and structural concerns over time.
To prevent such occurrences, consider regularly clearing out debris and checking for leaks. You should also make sure that downspouts direct water away from your home. Doing this greatly minimizes the risk of moisture issues during heavy winter storms.
Seal Windows, Doors, and Vents
Another effective measure is to seal windows, doors, and vents. This is important because even small gaps or cracks around these areas can allow water and humidity to seep inside. The end result of this is structural damage and a perfect environment for mold.
Some great solutions here include applying fresh caulk and replacing worn weather-stripping. You should also inspect vent covers. This is an action that you should take to ensure a tighter seal against upcoming winter storms.
These maintenance steps are crucial. The main reason behind this is that they keep your lower level dry. They also improve overall energy efficiency. This goes a long way in minimizing overall heating costs as temperatures drop.
Install or Service Sump Pumps and Drains
To ensure you are ready enough, you need to ensure your sump pump and drains are in excellent condition. When your sump pump is operating optimally, it will do an excellent job of preventing excess water from pooling during heavy storms. On their part, well-maintained drains make sure water flows away from the foundation. This is much better instead of just seeping inside.
You need to take care of these systems early on. Doing this will save you from costly damage. It will also provide you with a lot of peace of mind throughout the season.
You need to prepare your basement for the upcoming winter storms. One way to do this is to install proper waterproofing. In fact, this is regarded as one of the smartest investments you can make for your home.
When ready to install waterproofing, it’s important that you get the work done by the right professionals. At Dry Master Waterproofing, we take the needed steps to make sure your basement remains dry and ready to withstand the season ahead.
