5 Tips for Winterizing Your Basement

The weather may still be pleasant, but winter is quickly approaching. Wintertime means cold temperatures, snowstorms, and ice. It is essential to protect your basement against winter weather. Winterizing your basement or crawl space can reduce energy costs and protect against damaging and expensive problems, such as water damage. There are various ways to prepare your basement for the winter months to ensure a safe and healthy season. Let’s go over some tips for winterizing your basement.

Check for Leaks

Snowfall is a beautiful part of winter and brings a blanket of joy to the season. However, it also means you need to be aware of melting snow. This runoff can cause severe problems if you are not prepared. Melting snow that leaks into your basement can produce a constant source of moisture, which is an ideal environment for mold and mildew. Cracks or structural damage can form if left unaddressed for too long. 

Inspect Your Foundation

Before the first snowstorm of the season, it is a good idea to inspect your home’s foundation. Walk around outside of your house, checking to ensure the soil around your home slopes away from the foundation. If there isn’t enough soil around the structure’s base, add dirt against the foundation until the slope is correct. 

Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters are a common cause of basement moisture. It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year. Cleaning the gutters before winter helps prevent the build up of ice and water that can damage the roof and siding. You should also make sure there are no low-hanging or dead branches over your roof and clear it of any debris.

Protect Your Pipes

It is essential to ensure your pipes are protected against freezing temperatures; nothing spells disaster like water damage from frozen pipes! Winterzinging your basement includes checking pipes. Be aware that the closer pipes are to exterior walls, the more critical it is to protect them. You can use pipe warmers and wraps to help keep pipes protected from the cold. Keep an eye out for condensation on the pipes or leaking water that indicates potential problems and address them immediately.

Seal Basement Windows

In the winter, leaky basement windows can let in cold air, melting snow, and moisture. If there are exposed pipes, this can increase the risk of them freezing and bursting. Be sure to seal gaps around basement windows with caulk to prevent air leakage and water intrusion. It is also a good idea to add window wells to keep water and moisture at bay.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.