15 Nov Our Guide to Protecting Your Basement in Winter

For some, winter may be a time to cozy up around the fireplace while gazing out the window at the beautiful white snow, which is undoubtedly nice. Unfortunately, though, the aftermath of snow and snowmelt can be devastating. If ignored, that snow can damage your basement and lead to costly repairs. Luckily, there are ways of protecting your basement in winter that can prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Continue reading as we share what you must know about winter’s impact on your basement and ways of protecting your basement in winter.  

 

Understanding Winter’s Impact on Your Basement

The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Winter weather can be rough in an area with a temperate climate like Pittsburgh. One day, the temperature might be cold enough for the water to freeze; the next day, it warms up, causing a thaw. 

This cycle can be tough on your basement because water that seeps into cracks in concrete or soil will freeze, widening any cracks as it expands. Once the ice melts, the space will be even larger, and the vicious cycle continues, damaging your basement. 

 

Snow Accumulation and Melting

During heavy snow, snow can accumulate around your house and eventually melt. Once it does, water can leak into your basement through any small cracks or vulnerable spots. 

A damp basement environment can foster the growth of mold and mildew, leading to poor air quality and potential health issues. At the same time, flooding can cause significant damage to critical equipment, including plumbing and HVAC systems.

Common Winter Foundation Vulnerabilities

Soil Settlement and Erosion

Whether we like it or not, melting snow seeps into the soil around our homes. As temperatures drop, this water freezes within the soil, expanding and exerting pressure on our foundation. Over time, this causes the soil around the basement to shift and settle unevenly. When temperatures rise again, the ice melts, creating a flow of water that can further erode the soil, gradually removing its support around your basement.

 

Ice Damming and Water Intrusion

Although the outside temperature is freezing, the heat that escapes through the shingles warms some parts of the roof, leaving the rest to freeze, thus creating an ice dam that traps water with nowhere to go except to seep into the walls. As water trickles down, it can infiltrate the foundation with cracks or weak spots. Eventually, this water can lead to dampness and structural damage. 

 

Warning Signs You May Need Waterproofing Services

Visible Cracks in Walls and Floors

When you find cracks in walls and floors, take immediate steps to protect your basement in winter. Even tiny cracks that may seem harmless will allow more water and moisture to seep in, gradually widening and causing bigger issues over time. 

 

Unpleasant Odors

Although you may not see any visible signs of water, unpleasant odors in your basement are a clear indication that water and moisture have made their way in and become the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. 

Protecting your basement in winter now becomes necessary to prevent these issues from worsening, as it helps improve the air quality throughout your home and ensures a healthier, more comfortable living environment for your loved ones.

 

Increased Humidity Levels

The increased humidity levels cause a stuffy feeling in your basement and are closely related to the unpleasant smells and poor air quality. The high humidity can also cause visible damage to wooden structures in your basement by making them rot, as well as damage to your crucial HVAC system due to condensation on its ducts.

 

Difficulty Opening Doors and Windows

Lastly, if you find it hard to open your doors and windows around the basement during winter, it could be a sign that water has intruded. Water from the melting snow can cause your doors and windows to swell and their frames to shift, making them misaligned and difficult to open. 

 

Tips for Protecting Your Basement in Winter

Proper Insulation

Protecting your basement during winter should begin with properly insulating the walls surrounding it. This process minimizes the risk of a freeze-thaw cycle by preventing cold air from entering and warm indoor air from escaping. Additionally, maintaining a stable temperature inside your basement will reduce the risk of condensation, which can eventually lead to dampness and mold growth. 

 

Regular Maintenance Checks

Routine inspections allow you to catch any warning signs of water intrusion. However, don’t just stop in your basement. Instead, inspect your gutters, downspouts, and yard drainage systems as well to ensure water is being directed away from your basement so there will be no snowmelt pooling around it. 

 

Invest in Waterproofing Solutions

Now comes the ultimate way of protecting your basement in winter. Exterior waterproofing can protect your foundation from water penetration, while interior waterproofing, such as interior pumps, vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers, controls water once it’s inside. These solutions, collectively, will safeguard your basement against winter’s harsh conditions, including melting snow, ice dams, and rising groundwater, during freeze-thaw cycles.

 

End Note 

Though winter brings beautiful snow-covered landscapes, it also brings hidden challenges for your basement. Luckily, staying proactive with regular maintenance, quality insulation, and professional waterproofing can help keep your basement dry and protected throughout the winter.

Don’t wait until minor issues turn into major repairs. Contact AquaGuard Pittsburgh today to explore customized solutions for protecting your basement in winter!