It’s that time of year again – snow season. If you live in the Delaware Valley, then you know what we’re talking about. In the winter, melting snow and ice on the ground can cause a real problem for unwanted water pooling in your basement. This can become a damp breeding ground for mold and mildew if not properly maintained.

Here’s our Winter maintenance checklist to help you keep your basement dry all winter long so that there are no nasty and moldy surprises come springtime!

Check Your Window Wells

Window wells are fantastic for preventing moisture from entering your home, but they must also be checked on a regular basis to verify that they aren’t clogged with debris. If the water in the wells is pooling rather than flowing away, you could have a basement leak.

Seal Any Wall Cracks

If your house is surrounded by ice or snow, the heat from your basement might cause snow or frozen water in the ground to melt. Even unfinished basements can radiate enough heat to cause this sort of water seepage. If your basement isn’t waterproofed, you could start seeing leaks and damp spots.

As the water seeps through your basement walls, it might work its way into your home. The pressure from this water may lead to fractures in your basement walls over time. If you have existing wall cracks they are an easy way for that water to enter your basement. Seal any cracks as soon as possible to prevent this.

Unclog Your Gutters and Drains

Clogged gutters and drains are a surprisingly common source of basement floods and leaks. Debris collected in your drains can cause water to back up and overflow into your basement. Check your downspouts as well. If they’re sending water onto the ground near to your foundation, it’s possible that it’ll seep into your basement.

Check your gutters for debris at least once a month, or have a professional come out and do it for you. You can inspect them yourself if you have a tall ladder, but keep in mind that following the right safety precautions when cleaning your gutters is crucial.

Check Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps aren’t only useful for keeping your basement dry; if your sump pump is not operating properly, water will accumulate and may potentially inundate your basement. It’s critical to check on your sump pump on a regular basis to ensure it continues to function.

It’s also critical to have it serviced on a regular basis. We recommend that you have your sump pump examined by a professional in the spring and fall as a minimum to ensure that all of the components are functioning properly and there is no trapped dirt or debris.

It’s important to take preventative measures for basement leaks and flooding all year, but winter has its own set of challenges. Address any basement leak as soon as possible to avoid it getting worse.

We have over 30 years of expertise achieving leak-free waterproofed basements for our customers at Affordable Waterproofing. Get in touch with us now to arrange a free inspection from one of our pleasant and experienced staff members.