As winter approaches, it increases the likelihood that water will find its way inside our homes. To avoid this, we need to pay closer attention to the exterior of our house to locate entry points for water that could compromise its stability. Snowfall amounts and temperatures are typically low. During dry periods, the melting snow needs a place to collect. Several inches or even feet of snowmelt can quickly flood unprotected basements and crawl spaces. The presence of any amount of water in your basement, even if it only seeps in through the foundation’s cracks, poses a health risk that should not be ignored. It causes mold to grow and creates humid, stagnant conditions that are bad for the air quality inside your home.
Before the cold weather sets in, make sure your home is ready for the winter to avoid any issues that may arise from melting snow. Next, keep in mind that you need to take certain measures after each snowstorm to keep the basement from flooding.
Be Ready For The Cold Winter Months Before It Arrives.
Prepare for the upcoming snowy season in the fall. If you follow these steps to waterproof your basement, you won’t have to worry about a flooded home this winter, which will save you money and time. Hire a trusted waterproofing service in Parramatta to protect your home from everything that could happen when the snow melts. They come highly recommended by locals in the area and are the closest major city.
Install A Modern Drainage System
The drainage system is an effective means of keeping basements dry. French drains in the yard and basement, as well as driveway drains, could all be part of this system. The basement will finally be watertight if you implement these solutions.
Install A Sump Pump
Homes in Maryland’s high-risk flood zones need sump pumps to prevent damage. The apparatus is installed in a sump pit in a discrete area of the cellar or crawlspace. When water levels in the pit rise due to saturated soil, the sump pump kicks on to remove the excess water. When excess snowmelt saturates the soil in the winter, this one-time investment can save your home from flooding.
Do Not Let Water Into The Basement
Seal all the cracks in the walls, floors, and sill plates of your basement or crawlspace with caulk to prevent water from seeping in. Put in weather stripping to make windows airtight, and block off window wells from the outside to stop snow from collecting there.
Inspect Your Roof
You should check your roof and look for any damaged or missing tiles. Keep an eye out for moss growth and fix any loose masonry or linings in your chimneys. In addition to checking for cracks, you should also make sure that no debris is blocking your chimney. You can ask them to cap off your chimney as a preventative measure to ease the burden of future maintenance. But before you call in the experts, you can do a quick check by yourself by going up into the attic. Check for damp areas or cracks through which sunlight can shine.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Temperatures in the winter frequently fall below 20 degrees. The frozen pipe “temperature alert threshold” is at this level. Pipes that have frozen often burst when thawed, flooding the home. Frozen pipes and the resulting water damage can be avoided with a little forethought and planning.
Clean The Gutters
Water from melting snow on the roof eventually makes its way into the gutters and eventually out the downspout. You should get gutters put up this fall if your house doesn’t already have them to help protect the foundation. Without gutters, snowmelt would fall like a waterfall from the roof and saturate the ground next to the foundation. As a result, the concrete may crack under added stress. For those who already have gutters, autumn is the time to clear them of the leaves, needles, twigs, and other debris that could impede water flow. The same result as having no gutters at all will occur if the gutters become clogged.
If you require residential waterproofing, contact a Chatswood waterproofing services provider such as GJK Waterproofing Services. Their experts will take a look at your building and come up with a plan to waterproof it specifically for you.
Pay Attention To Your Doors And Windows
If you notice water stains, mold patches, rot, or loose fastenings on your doors or windows, it’s time to have a look around. If you find any of these issues, new fixtures should be purchased to ensure your home is weatherproof.
Waterproof Your Exterior Walls
Check the exterior of your home for any cracks or deteriorated points that could allow water to enter your home in the same way you would check your leaky pipes for leaks. Getting your house repainted is a good idea if you can pick off hunks of cement or mortar with your fingers or scrape them off with a butter knife.
Conclusion
Waterproofing your property before the winter can prevent costly damage. With careful preparations, you can make sure that your home is ready for the cold weather and its many inconveniences.
Right about now is when you’ll be doing frantic Google searches for phrases like “house waterproofing near me” to make sure your house is prepared for the impending rain. Fortunately, GJK Waterproofing Services has trusted waterproofing contractors in Leichhardt who’ve got you covered, and they provide services in other towns across Australia. Get in touch with one today to learn more.
