07 Jan Winter Damage: ACCL Waterproofing

Be wary of water damage to your basement and foundation throughout the winter

A fresh coating of snow instantly transforms a landscape into a winter wonderland scene. Not all snowfalls are quiet, and the aftermath of each foot of snowfall can regrettably inflict a lot of harm. There are three basic types of water damage, and this is how to spot them and deal with them.

Moisture from Snowmelt

It’s always nice to watch and observe the snow fall, but you never consider how much harm it causes to your home’s foundation. The melting of snow is the most common source of winter water damage. Water is unconcerned about its surroundings; it simply obeys the principles of gravity and temperature change. When the temperature rises, snow melts, releasing a massive amount of water all at once, so make sure you have a solid drainage system in place.

Snowmelt moisture can cause harm to your property in a variety of ways. The foundation will be weakened by the constant freezing and thawing cycle of winter. Moisture freezes and expands, causing gaps in your basement and allowing more moisture to enter. This cycle repeats itself, eventually producing holes in the foundation and compromising its structural stability.

Moisture that seeps through the cracks in the foundation can create persistent pressure, resulting in direct damage to your basement. Water damage from the exterior of your foundation continues until it reaches the interior of your home. Once inside, it has the ability to destroy any furniture, appliances, or storage in your basement. The moisture that seeps into your foundation exerts steady pressure, causing wet or even saturated flooring and drywall to become a breeding ground for mold.

Pipes that have been frozen

One of the most feared problems during the winter season is frozen pipes. Moisture leaks and, in the worst-case scenario, pipe bursts are the most well-known examples.

The location of the pipe freeze depends on the severity of the situation. However, by turning off the water throughout the winter, frozen pipes can be avoided, managed, or even stopped in an emergency. One of the most crucial stages in adequately keeping your pipes from freezing is to install a sump pump. Unfortunately, far too often, critical mass is reached before it can even be detected. This frequently occurs when pipes rupture overnight or while you are gone from home.

The Foundation’s health is also vital in avoiding pipes from freezing. When fractures emerge in the outer wall or around the pipes, air can enter your basement, increasing the risk of frozen pipes. When you see these cracks over the winter, attempt to cover them up as quickly as possible, but then contact a professional to fix them properly so you don’t have to deal with them again.

Ice dams are a type of ice dam that forms

Another major form of winter water damage in your home is ice dams. Ice dams arise when ice forms in and around gutters, preventing melting snow from reaching the downspouts efficiently. When this happens, the water tries to drain in a different path, which is usually via the roof and into your home.

Ice dams can clog your downspouts, causing melting ice and snow to overflow your gutters and run to the ground near your foundation, causing damage to your roof or ceiling. When looking around your property, make sure to check for blockages, clear snow or debris, and keep an eye out for signs of water damage on the inside.

Detecting Water Damage in the Winter

Moisture stains are frequently the most visible symptoms of water damage. Typically, these stains appear on the floor, walls, and ceilings. Mold and mildew are another symptom of dampness. You might be able to smell this sign before you see it. Given that moldy odours are not typical of basements, you should examine the cause of the odour and eliminate the water source as soon as possible.

When foundation cracks begin to appear over time, it’s time to call a professional for an examination! This is especially true for foundation cracks on the inner side. When the ground thaws, cracks that run the length of your foundation are a surefire way to experience winter water damage.

Take advantage of the winter months to have us look at your basement and help you determine how best to address your basement leakage problems.  

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If you’ve noticed foundation cracks, spots, water, mold, and mildew, don’t ignore the signs or it could lead to more damage and possible health effects.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!