Waterproofing your home and basement may seem like a good idea, but it’s also one that most homeowners assume can only be done in the spring or summer months when the weather in Michigan is warm. While waterproofing can sometimes be easier in warmer temperatures, this project can also be done in the wintertime. There are some methods that work well during the winter season and others that aren’t going to be good choices. But getting your basement waterproofed in the winter, if you need to, is important for protecting the investment you have in your home.
The Truth About Winter Basement Waterproofing
The biggest myth about winter waterproofing is that it can’t effectively be done during that time of year. The truth is that it can be done during the winter and it will be just as effective. It may not be as easy to accomplish in some cases due to the external temperature and frozen ground, but this time of year can be a slower time for contractors. That means you can get your waterproofing done faster because there aren’t as many people getting similar work done during the winter months. You should talk to your contractor about the needs you have, any issues you see with your basement, and whether winter waterproofing is right for you.
It’s never a bad time to waterproof your basement, and that’s especially true if there are problems with your basement or water is getting in. The situation is only likely to get worse as the ground thaws in the spring and there’s more water runoff. Before that happens and makes a damp, moldy mess of your basement, reach out to a professional waterproofing contractor and get the work done. That way you can have peace of mind throughout the rest of the winter and into spring. The risk of your basement leaking as soon as the snow melts will be a thing of the past, and you can rest assured that you won’t have water problems in your home.
What You Should Look Out For
The main thing to look out for when you consider waterproofing your home in the winter months is whether there are issues that need to be addressed. Some people choose to wait until spring, simply because they don’t foresee having any problems with their basement. But if you have water pudding or pooling in your basement or if there are dampness, mildew or mold issues, you’ll want to see about getting the problem handled sooner rather than later. While it may be a little more difficult to waterproof your basement in winter, that’s certainly a better choice than letting a water problem continue until springtime.
Watch for cracks, places where the mortar is coming loose between blocks, or where the window wells are losing their caulking. If you see chips and flaking pieces of your foundation walls, that can indicate a water problem, too. Don’t hesitate to call a waterproofing contractor and get a professional opinion. Even if you decide to wait until the spring, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Peeling paint in your basement could also mean a water issue, so look for anything that’s out of the ordinary based on the way your basement usually looks, smells and feels.
Benefits of Winter Waterproofing
Among the top benefits of winter waterproofing for your home is the speed at which the contractor can get to your job. Since more people choose the spring and summer months for their waterproofing, contractors are more likely to be available during the winter. That’s good news for you since you’ll want to get the work done and get back to enjoying your cozy home. You may not get a discount during the winter, but getting the work done quickly is the most important thing to focus on because it can help you protect your home’s basement faster.
Waterproofing Methods You Can Use in the Winter
Using exterior methods of waterproofing in the winter isn’t necessarily a good idea in places like Michigan where the weather is cold and the ground is often frozen. Many types of waterproofing that can be used by a homeowner in a DIY situation won’t work in very cold temperatures because they will freeze before the material adheres properly. That’s true of paint-on types of options for waterproofing, along with certain other methods. There are coatings that can be used on the interior of a basement, however, that are solvent-based. These work very well to protect a basement, and they can be used in the wintertime.
Other types of waterproofing that can be used in the winter include sealing the cracks that have appeared in the foundation or basement walls and making sure that all interior measures have been taken to reduce the chance that water has a way to get into the basement. If there are gaps, holes, cracks and other issues with the way the basement is sealed, your waterproofing contractor can take care of that and get your basement dry. Additionally, installing drains and pumps can generally be done in the wintertime. Most of this type of waterproofing work is done inside the basement where it’s warm enough to work.
Don’t settle for less than the best when you need good waterproofing. Hire a contractor you can trust and feel good about. Talk to them about the kind of options you have for waterproofing your basement when it’s cold outside. When you do that, you’ll be on your way to having a comfortable dry basement that you won’t have to worry about. If there’s any exterior work that has to be done, it can be completed in the spring. However, you can get the rest of the waterproofing out of the way when the weather is cold and your contractor isn’t busy.
Reach Out Today and Let Us Help You With Basement Waterproofing Solutions
At Mobile Waterproofing, we have more than 40 years of experience in the basement restoration and foundation repair industry. Located in Midland, Michigan, we serve Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, Sanford, Auburn, Beaverton, Gladwin, Pinconning and the surrounding areas. Throughout our service area, we provide both inside and outside basement waterproofing and restoration systems to help ensure that our customers can protect their investment.
Did we mention that we also do egress window installation, humidity ventilation systems, commercial waterproofing and more? We can help give you a healthy environment and reduce further damage to your belongings and property. Whether you need residential or commercial waterproofing and restoration, we’re here to help. Give us a call today, and let’s talk about your basement waterproofing needs – even in the wintertime.