Basement Waterproofing Before Winter
Do you have plans for the holidays? Nothing can spoil those plans faster than having to deal with a wet basement. You’ll have to spend the days pumping water out of your basement and mopping floors instead of having fun basking on a beach halfway around the world.
While leaks can occur all year round, your basement is particularly vulnerable during the winter. The following are good reasons to invest in basement waterproofing before winter.
- The heat from your basement will melt the snow
It’s nice to know that your home is warm and cozy when it’s freezing outside. However, this difference in temperature will result in the melting of snow near the foundation. This is because basements are known to radiate heat up to 8 inches outside their walls.
The melting of the snow will result in the soil near the foundation absorbing more water. When this water freezes, it expands causing an increase in pressure against the basement walls. This can result in cracks and eventual water seepage.
- There is increased hydrostatic pressure
Aside from the pressure caused by expanding ice in soil, the melting snow can also cause an increase in hydrostatic pressure. This occurs when there is too much water in the soil surrounding the foundation walls. Hydrostatic pressure is that force exerted by water. The pressure builds against the foundation wall causing cracks and leaking in your foundation.
- Your sump pump may not be working properly
Many people only realize that their sump pumps are not working properly until their basements are flooded. By this time, it’s too late. You’ll have to spend a lot of money on clean up and then have your pump repaired. You can save yourself the trouble by having a basement waterproofing contractor test and repair your pump before the temperatures begin dropping.
- Your drains are clogged
Proper drainage is vital in waterproofing your foundation. A clogged drain can result in overflowing, which in turn can cause flooding of your basement or leaks at the least. Clogged drains are a common occurrence during winter. Debris from leaves that fell during autumn are one of the biggest culprits. Ensure that your drains are free of debris and are working well to prevent water problems in the winter.
- Your window wells are leaking
Like many other problems in the basement, this is likely to go unnoticed until the basement is flooded with water. Window wells ought to be sealed properly and be free of cracks.
All waterproofing companies have to make a choice. They can assume an attitude of, “no one’s perfect,” and “the homeowner won’t notice that,” or “close enough.” Or they can do what Everdry Illinois does… and insist on strict standards and absolute precision.
And while waterproofing contractors in Illinois, unfortunately, choose the “close enough” route, Everdry Illinois has committed to the highest standards of service and installation. We always, always, ALWAYS do it the RIGHT WAY.
In addition to our excellent professionals, we have also carefully built a top team of managers and office support people. The office support staff are exceptionally skilled at listening to what you want and then making the right recommendations for your budget and tastes.
The office support people are well-trained to avoid the typical frustrations of “I don’t know” answers. (And if they really don’t know, they’ll get you to the right person). The typical customer service frustrations that are so common nowadays are not the “Everdry way”.
Creating dry, healthy basements for 40+ years.