Keep Snow Off Your Foundation & Downspouts

With winter fast approaching, it’s crucial to ensure your home’s foundation and basement are ready for the cold months ahead. While it’s easy to focus on keeping your home warm and cozy, your foundation needs just as much attention to prevent damage and moisture issues. Follow these winter maintenance tips to protect your home and avoid costly repairs.

Not removing the snow around your homes foundation can cause a lot of damage.

Keep Snow Away from Your Foundation

Melting Snow Leads to Too Much Moisture

Snow may look pretty when it’s piled up around your home, but it can cause serious problems if it melts too close to your foundation. As snow melts, the water can seep into the soil and eventually make its way into your basement through small cracks or openings.

Make sure to shovel snow away from your home’s foundation after each storm. If possible, create a slight slope away from the house to direct melting snow away from the foundation walls. This simple step can go a long way in preventing water damage and basement flooding.

Sealed Older Basement
Sealed Newer Basement

Inspect Your Downspouts and Gutters

Proper drainage is essential during winter, especially when dealing with melting snow and ice. Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and functioning properly. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, which may pool near your foundation.

This downspout is not only dangerous, but will lead to more and more ice, eventually melting and leaking into your basement.

Downspouts

Downspouts should direct water at least 3 to 5 feet away from your home. If they’re too short, consider adding extensions to prevent water from seeping into the ground near your foundation.

Gutters

Ice in your gutters is pretty common in the North East. We have cold days with a warm sun, which melts and then freezes the snow and ice in our gutters. Over time, this build-up of ice and water will melt and cause a large puddle at the end of winter. Redirecting them away from your home is the best way to avoid this.

Monitor Your Basement for Moisture

During the winter, it’s important to check your basement regularly for signs of moisture. Look for damp spots, condensation, or mold growth on the walls or floors. Catching moisture problems early can help prevent more serious issues like mold infestations or structural damage.

If you notice any signs of moisture, it’s a good idea to have your foundation inspected for cracks or leaks. Basement Solutions can assess the situation and provide repairs and sealing to prevent future water infiltration.

Avoid Excessive Salt Use Around Your Foundation

While salt is great for de-icing walkways, using too much of it near your foundation can be harmful. Over time, salt can erode concrete, leading to cracks and damage. Opt for alternatives like sand or gravel to provide traction without causing damage to your foundation.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

Finally, the best way to ensure your foundation is ready for winter is to schedule a professional inspection. At Basement Solutions, we offer foundation inspections to identify any potential weak points, cracks, or areas in need of repair. We also provide sealing services to keep your basement dry and your foundation protected.

Call For Repairs Today

Winter can be tough on your home, but with the right preparation and maintenance, you can avoid many common issues. Contact Basement Solutions today to schedule a foundation inspection or repairs before winter hits. We’ll help you keep your home safe and secure all season long!

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