If you have a basement in Michigan, you probably already know you’re at risk for basement leaks during the winter months. The changes in humidity levels and air temperatures can go a long way toward causing problems you might not have noticed in the summertime. But you don’t have to just put up with a leaky basement. There are reasons basements leak, and those reasons can be addressed. In the vast majority of cases, future basement leaks can also be prevented at the same time. We can help you address those issues and solve them so you’ll have peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know about leaks.
Why Do Basements Leak in the Winter?
Basements are a part of your house, and even if they aren’t directly heated, they’re still much warmer than the surrounding air outside. That’s especially true when there’s snow piled up against them. Because basements are a source of warmth against all that frozen water, they’ll cause the snow to start to melt. As it melts, the water flows into areas where it can get into the basement. If you have any cracks or holes in your foundation or if your basement doesn’t have the proper waterproofing, you can easily be looking at a wet basement just from the melting snow and the air temperature difference.
The pressure of gravity is also partially to blame because it pushes down on the water that’s accumulating around your basement walls. Eventually, that water will trickle down through the soil and cause a thoroughly damp environment on the outside of your foundation. When that happens, you’ll quickly find that you don’t have the quality of waterproofing you thought you did. Even if you don’t have cracks or holes in your basement walls where water can get in, the extreme dampness can eventually get through most types of foundations unless there’s good quality waterproofing in place.
The soil you have around your basement is a contributing factor, too, since you might have soil that lets water build up. Ideally, you want a sandy type of soil, which helps to drain water away from the foundation and makes it less likely that you’ll see leaks in the winter months. You can’t always stop every leak just by having the right soil, but sandy soil can go a long way toward helping ensure that your basement has less of a chance of being leaky. That’s better for your foundation, and the right soil can reduce problems with mold and mildew as well.
What Are the Signs of a Leaky Basement?
The most likely sign of a leaky basement is the most obvious one: dampness and water. If there are puddles in your basement or if the walls are damp, there are leaks somewhere. Additionally, moldy items that have been stored in the basement, as well as unpleasant smells, can cause problems. These issues aren’t always as obvious as water, but they’re something you should pay close attention to. Keep in mind that if your basement smells like mold, there’s probably mold present. You don’t want to leave a problem like mold alone because it can become a very serious problem over time.
Too much water in your basement can also damage the foundation. You might find areas where the walls are cracking or crumbling or where mortar is falling away between the blocks. These kinds of problems could be signs of water damage. You don’t have to allow this deterioration to continue, though. By working with a good waterproofing and restoration company, you can address any issues that are already occurring and reduce the chance of future problems. If you suspect you have a leaky basement, don’t wait to see if the problem gets worse. Get it treated right away to minimize the damage.
How Can You Prevent Basement Leaks?
Preventing future leaks is very important when it comes to your basement and foundation. You want to protect your house, and that’s much easier to do when its foundation is strong and solid. Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent leaks in your basement so you can reduce your risk of problems. For example, make sure any troughs and downspouts don’t drain near the house. If you have them too close to the edge of the home, the water could run back toward the basement. Troughs and downspouts should empty farther away from the house, and the soil in the area should be sloped to encourage water drainage away as well.
You can also consider taking a careful look at the window wells. Most basements have windows, and those are one of the areas where problems can occur. That’s because these wells don’t always seal the way they should, and they could allow water to collect in them. Anytime water collects against your basement walls or foundation, it’s going to most likely seep inside. Your job is to stop water from entering your home, and there are steps that you can take to help you do that. If those steps aren’t working, then it’s time to call a professional.
The best way to prevent a leaky basement is to have it waterproofed correctly by professionals. That’s especially true if you’ve already done everything right and you’re still getting water in your basement. But even if you haven’t done anything on your own or aren’t sure how to prevent water from entering your home, you can still reach out to professionals first. When it comes to a leaky basement, waterproofing professionals have the knowledge to treat the issue and eliminate it, preventing future problems. Not only will your basement be dry, but you can have peace of mind about the foundation of your home, too.
Call the Basement Restoration and Foundation Repair Experts Today
For more than 40 years, Mobile Waterproofing has been serving the Midland, Michigan area. If you’re in Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, Sanford, Auburn, Beaverton, Gladwin, Pinconning, or the surrounding areas, reach out to us today. We’ll be happy to address your basement waterproofing and foundation restoration needs. We also handle egress window installation, humidity ventilation systems, commercial waterproofing and much more. Whether you know you have a winter basement leak in your home or you just want to have your foundation checked out professionally, we can help.
Get in touch today, and let us show you the value of decades of experience. We handle interior and exterior waterproofing and foundation options, so we can do what’s right for your basement, home and budget. Then you won’t have to worry about water problems anymore, and you can enjoy the beauty that winter can offer instead of being concerned about basement leaks.