As temperatures drop in Des Moines, homeowners start focusing on staying warm, safe, and comfortable. Winter weather brings not only cold and snow, but also moisture. And when melting snow or winter rain finds its way into your foundation, basement, or crawl space, it can lead to cold drafts, rising energy bills, mold growth, and long-term structural damage.
At BAM Basements and Masons, we help Central Iowa homeowners protect their properties year-round. Before the deep freeze hits, here are three essential winter waterproofing tips to keep your home warm, dry, and toasty all season long.
1. Seal Foundation Cracks Before Snow and Ice Arrive
Even small cracks in your foundation or basement walls can let in moisture—especially when melting snow seeps down along your home’s perimeter. Once water finds a pathway inside, it can freeze, expand, and widen those cracks, creating bigger issues over time.
Why this matters in winter:
· Water intrusion lowers your basement temperature, making your whole home feel colder.
· Freezing and thawing cycles worsen cracks.
· Moisture creates a breeding ground for mold.
What you can do:
· Inspect your foundation for hairline cracks or damp spots.
· Look for efflorescence (a white, chalky residue indicating water intrusion)
· Schedule professional crack sealing or masonry repair to stop moisture at the source.
BAM Basements and Masons uses durable waterproofing methods and masonry expertise to ensure cracks are properly repaired—so winter moisture stays out where it belongs.
2. Check and Improve Exterior Drainage to Prevent Basement Leaks
During winter, melting snow often happens in quick bursts when temperatures briefly rise. If your home’s exterior drainage is not prepared, water can pool around your foundation and eventually seep inside.
Key drainage areas to inspect:
· Gutters & downspouts – Make sure they are clean and directing water at least 4–6 feet away.
· Grading – Soil should slope away from the home, not toward it.
· Driveways & sidewalks – Sunken or uneven concrete can create runoff paths straight to your foundation.
If you notice water pooling near the base of your home or runoff flowing toward your basement walls, it is time for a fix. BAM’s drainage solutions and concrete lifting services (polylifting) help reroute water properly and protect your foundation all winter long.
3. Winterize Your Basement Interior with Proper Insulation and Moisture Control
A cold, damp basement does not just make winter uncomfortable, it costs you money. Heating systems work harder to compensate for drafts, air leaks, and moisture. That is why moisture control and insulation go together with waterproofing.
· Ways to protect your basement interior this winter:
· Install or upgrade insulation on rim joists and basement walls.
· Add a high-quality vapor barrier to reduce dampness.
· Use a dehumidifier if humidity levels rise above 50%.
· Seal gaps around windows, vents, and utility penetrations.
Preventing moisture from entering—and keeping warm air inside—is one of the most effective ways to maintain a cozy home when temperatures drop.
Stay Warm, Dry, and Protected with BAM Basements and Masons
Winter in Des Moines brings enough challenges—your home should not be one of them. With proper waterproofing, drainage improvements, and insulation, you can keep your home warm, dry, and energy-efficient all season.
Whether you are dealing with a cold basement, foundation cracks, water leaks, or sinking concrete, BAM Basements and Masons are here to help Iowa homeowners feel confident heading into winter.
Ready to winterproof your home?
Contact BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines today for a free estimate and customized waterproofing plan.