Can Melting Snow Cause Your Basement to Flood?
Jan 02, 2024Homeowners who reside in the Northeast and other areas throughout the country experience significant snowfall during the cold winter months. As the snow begins to melt, however, it brings about a new set of challenges, particularly the risk of basement flooding.
If you reside in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, being proactive is key. Implementing basement waterproofing measures can keep your basement free from water intrusion that can cause significant damage. Read more from Rescon’s latest blog post to learn more about basement flooding due to melting snow.
How Snow Can Cause Basement Flooding
Snow brings beauty to your home as it begins to fall and accumulate around your property. But as the snow begins to melt, it can become a threat to your basement.
When the sun comes back out and temperatures rise by a few degrees, accumulated snow turns into water, seeking pathways to flow. If your home’s foundation isn’t well-sealed or lacks proper drainage, this water can infiltrate your basement.
The pressure from this influx can overpower existing waterproofing, leading to leaks and potential flooding. The transition from pockets of snow to water runoff poses a risk to your basement if it does not have proper waterproofing methods in place.
Ways to Prevent Your Basement From Flooding
Taking a proactive approach will not only protect your basement from flooding in the winter, but it will provide year-round protection. Following these steps can help you keep water out of your basement all year long:
Foundation Inspections
Regularly examine your foundation for cracks or vulnerabilities. Promptly seal any identified weak points to prevent water seepage.
Improve Drainage
Ensure proper grading around your home to redirect snowmelt away from the foundation. Keep gutters clean and extend downspouts to guide water farther from your home.
Sump Pump Installation
Sump pumps are installed in sump pits, which collect water that could otherwise intrude through your foundation. It will then push the water away from your home. Consider installing or maintaining sump pumps to efficiently remove excess water from your basement.
Professional Waterproofing
Invest in professional basement waterproofing services for long-term protection. These solutions are tailored to fortify your basement against water intrusion, mitigating the risks associated with melting snow.
What to Do if Your Basement Has Already Flooded
If your basement has already flooded due to melting snow, acting fast is crucial in limiting the damage and protecting your family. Consider following these steps:
- Do Not Contact or Enter the Water: Avoid contact with standing water, especially if there’s a risk of electrical hazards.
- Contact Professionals for Water Removal: Use pumps or seek professional assistance to extract water from the basement promptly.
- Dry and Disinfect the Area: Use dehumidifiers and fans to thoroughly dry out the area. Disinfect surfaces to prevent mold growth and ensure a safe environment.
After water has been properly removed from your basement, we recommend employing waterproofing solutions to ensure the problem doesn’t reoccur in the future.
Choose Rescon for Basement Waterproofing Solutions in Southern New Hampshire and Eastern Massachusetts
At Rescon Basement Solutions, we proudly serve homeowners throughout the Southern New Hampshire and Eastern Massachusetts areas. Our in-house team of technicians can help with all of your basement waterproofing or foundation repair needs, no matter how big or small.
Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule basement waterproofing solutions with our team.