Iowa Homeowners may be surprised to learn that the winter months are a great time to consider having their basement or crawl space waterproofed. Spring brings showers and showers mean moisture. At BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines, we recommend waterproofing below-grade areas ahead of the upcoming rain and humidity!
Unfortunately, if your basement has not been waterproofed by a professional, the winter months can be just as bad as the worst rainy season. When the ground is above freezing temperature, the snow melts instantly turning into water, which has the same effect as rain. When the ground is below freezing, the sticky snow accumulates, waiting for the temperature to rise so it can turn into a torrent of water.
When water accumulates near your home, the water seeps in through the porous surface of cinder and brick. A sudden temperature drop can freeze the water, weakening the integrity of your foundation. When the temperature goes back up, the miniature cracks have grown slightly larger (from the ice), allowing the trapped water to flow more freely into your basement than ever before.
Here are four reasons you should waterproof your basement during winter:
During cold months, there is less water around foundation walls and temperatures drop inside the crawlspace or basement. Less moisture means that specialists can easily install interior waterproofing, basement drainage, and encapsulation systems fortifying your home against future flooding.
There is less demand for waterproofing services during fall and winter. This means you can be seen by a waterproofing crew more quickly, as opposed to waiting weeks (or even months) for an appointment. Some people believe that waterproofing is more difficult when it is cold, but our systems can be installed efficiently during the winter.
There is always the potential for an unreasonably high amount of snowfall. As spring approaches and temperatures rise, ice and snow melt saturate the ground. This could put your basement or crawl space at risk for a flood, which would then lead to high humidity and mold growth. This could also compromise your home’s foundation. It is best to think ahead and have a dependable system in place before there is an emergency.
If you do have a moisture problem, what happens when the temperature drops? Water collects in cracks, window wells, and other places. The water freezes, creating new cracks and making existing cracks larger.
Basement Waterproofing Tips for Winter
Don’t Pile Snow near your Home: When the snow falls and it’s time to clear the driveway, avoid piling snow against your home. Snow piles are a torrent of water waiting to leak into your home. Changes in temperature can cause the ice dams to form, which can weaken the walls of your basement. Water expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws, which is something you DO NOT want to happen anywhere near your basement walls
Keep Your Gutters Clean to Drain Away Melting Snow from the Roof: Make sure your gutters are guiding water safely away from your home. Don’t allow water to pool near your home’s foundation otherwise it will find a way into your basement. Melting snow water should drain at least 10 feet away from your house or be allowed to flow away from the house properly.
Before winter arrives, it’s a good idea to check your gutters to make sure they are free and clear of leaves and debris from the Fall season. Not only will this prevent damage to your roof and gutters when the snow comes, but it ensures that melting snow is able to flow away from your home’s foundation. A sudden warm day can wreak havoc on a roof that has even a few inches of snow on it.
Winter Sump Pump Care: Double-check that your sump pump hose does not have low spots for water to collect. Remove your discharge hose if it is located outside so it doesn’t freeze in the winter.
Benefits of Winter Waterproofing
Among the top benefits of winter waterproofing for your home is the speed at which the contractor can get to your job. Since more people choose the spring and summer months for their waterproofing, basement waterproofing contractors are more likely to be available during the winter. That’s good news for you since you’ll want to get the work done and get back to enjoying your cozy home. Getting the work done quickly is the most important thing to focus on because it can help you protect your home’s basement faster.
ARE YOU READY TO GET AN ESTIMATE NOW?
If you live in Des Moines or the surrounding areas, contact BAM Basements and Masons. We provide free estimates to all of our customers. Contact our office and we will schedule an appointment for you with one of our experienced trained sales professionals. They will evaluate your house and its symptoms, then recommend the best course of action for you, to keep your home strong and healthy for years to come.
BAM Basements goal is to do the best and most thorough repair possible, to protect and maintain your home. We know that allowing our employees into your home demonstrates trust, and we intend to repay that trust with the absolute best in customer service. The BBB accredited BAM, has an A+ rating, and average 5 stars on over 100 customer reviews.
Here at BAM basements and Masons of Des Moines we pride ourselves on delivering every consideration to total customer satisfaction with the highest quality workmanship, limited lifetime warranties, having over 100 years combined of expertise on waterproofing, we are locally founded, owned, and operated. Call us for all your waterproofing needs and we will find a customized solution to fit your home’s needs. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is your expert waterproofing basement and egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona, Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.
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