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Can You Waterproof a Basement In The Winter?

You may be thinking that there is no longer a window for waterproofing your basement from now until April, and that is not true. Basement waterproofing is something that is always a good idea, regardless of the time of year. If the ground is frozen, your basement still has the risk of leaking and water damage even if the ground is frozen.

If you wait until the spring to have your basement waterproofed, you could be gambling with the well-being of your building, your belongings, and the well-being of your family if you do not act now. During the time that you wait for the weather to get warmer, the foundation of your home could be damaged.

Winter Weather, A Recipe For Disaster

This area of the country experiences very harsh winters, which are perfect for damaging a foundation. If your basement is not protected by a waterproofed foundation, you may find your home invaded by water leaks and damaged walls, depending on the conditions. It’s wet, the houses may be older, and the temperatures can go from sub-zero to over 90 degrees on a daily basis. In spite of the fact that you may have nothing to worry about during the winter, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise in the spring.

A constant freeze/thaw cycle can cause a great deal of damage to your foundation as the soil constantly shrinks and expands, putting tremendous pressure on the walls of the foundation.  There is a possibility that this fluctuation will widen existing cracks, and may cause new ones and open joints, allowing water to enter your basement. It is also possible for the gutters and downspouts to freeze, causing ice jams and the water to not drain properly away from the foundation as a result.

Waterproof Before the Spring Thaw

As the ground begins to thaw in the spring, it can cause a gap between your foundation and the soil as the ground starts to thaw. Water can enter your foundation more easily if there is a gap in your foundation. If your basement is not waterproofed, the water can seep into your basement, causing weakening of the supports, damage to furniture, and promoting the growth of mold and pests. The foundation, already weakened by the freeze-thaw cycle of the winter, will not have a chance against the spring rains if it has already been weakened by the freeze/thaw cycle.

Fortunately, the waterproofing experts at Dry Master can perform any repairs you need at any time of year. They can repair cracks, install drainage systems and sump pumps, and any other waterproofing repairs your home may need.

The winter is usually a slower time for contractors, so you may have an easier time of schedule than during the busier periods of the year.  If you wait until warmer months, you may have to wait a while to get a contractor in to perform repairs. In the meantime, you will have to take care of your wet basement until they can get there. Beat the rush and get your waterproofing done now before you have to wait in line.

Rain and Snow Occur Every Year

People always seem to be surprised when their basements flood or leak. We know that it snows and rains all the time, but we don’t take into account that our foundations can weaken over time. Be proactive and protect your investment and family before you have foundation damage and water-logged possessions. Contact the waterproofing experts at Dry Master for all your foundation repair needs in New Jersey.

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