
Image via Flickr by looondawg
Having warmer weather almost with-in reach, we are all happily set for that big thaw. This is great news for most of the people in the Northern Hemisphere, where cabin fever has taken its toll. But this also spells disaster unprotected basements and homes where moisture is often a problem.
Many people forget (or tend not to know) that in colder weather basements are simply just as susceptible to wetness. Homes in this place, while usually well-protected via moisture, still stand a terrific chance of becoming flooded during the spring as the weather warms up.
That’s since after snow melts, all that liquid water has to go somewhere. While much of it flows rather nicely down the sewer strain, much more of it flows down into the earth and then heads straight to the water table. This causes hydrostatic pressure, and is what causes basement walls to become wet, as the wetness is pushed and detects a home’s foundation.
To prevent this, here are 7 ideas to avoid basement flooding this spring.
1. We’ve said it many times, but in spring your own gutters and downspouts must work correctly. It’s imperative that the snow that melts out of your roof flows underground, as far away from your own home’s foundation as possible. When the gutter system is compromised, then water has a much greater chance of making its way into your home. Plus it’s good practice to repair or replace gutters for maintenance reasons.
2. Repair any cracks you find in your basement partitions. A crack today can be being a leaky siv sometime soon, and it’s only a matter of time depending on the kind of materials your home’s foundation is made of.
Due to a basement’s porous characteristics, water will always win. Look into some quality sealant to repair basement wall cracks, or contact a professional for true reassurance.
3.If you have the sump pump, ensure it’s plugged in and completely ready for warmer weather. If it under-performed a year ago, consider replacing it which has a better model over the next 12 months. A sump pump can easily keep your basement from flooding. It works with a simple concept, and is essential in many homes and keeps them dry.
4. Call professionals to inspect your own sewers and septic tanks. Spring is the greatest time of year to make sure your septic tanks are clean. Also it is the best time of year to get your sewer checked out. Clogged sewers and septic tanks cause serious but preventable water issues, so make sure you get once-a-year maintenance. After the inspection, a professional will explain if further maintenance is required. Trust us, it’s well worth the cost.
5. Window bore holes and egress windows, when not cared for, are essentially holes for pooling water. Inspect the windows that are in your basement for leaks, check the seal across the frames, and consider installing window well covers if necessary. An egress window is truly beautiful when it isn’t a beacon for water seepage.
6. Create a ground inspection. The ground around your home might consist of materials poorly built to inhibit ground water from entering the house. An expert in the actual field of drainage and erosion can easily tell using sophisticated equipment whether your ground is usually suspect.
7. Consider installing basement water systems that will outlast your home. Devices like French drains, which work to quickly move water far from home, can turn a soaked basement into a desert within just a few days. In addition, when expertly engineered to suit your home specifically, they can convey a nice touch to flower beds like a water management system.
While it might appear like a wet basement is problem containing no solution, we can guarantee that many people have one. Whether it the result of melting snow, an increased water table, or possibly natural springs occurring within ground, we have engineered solutions for any case.
Need some help helping your basement ready for the actual spring thaw, or produce an existing problem that requires a pro to fix? Feel free to contact us at 888-442-2766to see how we can help.
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