Basement water problems can sneak up on you when you’re not looking.
The most common time that you might discover basement wall leaking and other moisture problems is in the winter due to the cold weather.
To detect these problems or avoid them in the future so your home stays dry, learn how and why colder temperatures can cause the damage that requires wet basement repairs in this 1st of a 2-part series on leaky basements in the winter.
Here are some of the most common and easy to address reasons why this could happen.
1. Cracks in the Walls or Floors
Cracks in the basement wall or floor are fairly common as they can occur naturally when a house settles.
They are also a primary source of basement wall leaks and basement water problems like dampness.
In the wintertime, moisture present in the soil can end up under pressure as the temperature drops.
That pressure can eventually force ground moisture through those small cracks and the foundation.
2. Window Wells That Leak
Ground level windows can be prone to leaking and need to be carefully sealed to prevent water from getting in.
These window wells must also be well drained as they are the perfect place for water and snow to collect.
Over time, that moisture can seep its way around the windows and cause damage that makes wet basement repairs necessary.
3. Downspouts and Eaves Too Close to the House
During the winter, it’s not uncommon to deal with rain, melting snow, and ice, all of which will drip down the gutter downspouts and over the roof eaves if there are no gutters.
When that moisture falls too close to the foundation of the house, the ground around it can become saturated, inviting moisture in.
Whether it seeps in from oversaturation or is pressed through fine cracks as the temperature drops, you can reduce the possibility of basement wall leaks with roof gutters and downspouts that drain away from the foundation.
4. Clogged Basement Drains
Another common source of basement water problems is a clogged drain.
Clogged basement drains can very easily back up and flood your home.
Even though this can happen any time of the year, the colder weather will frequently slow or freeze clogged sewer lines and cause them to back up.
5. Malfunctioning Sump Pump
Similarly, a malfunctioning sump pump is another common cause of leaking that ends up needing wet basement repairs.
Although a sump pump can fail at any time, they can freeze in the winter and burst, resulting in a flood when the pump fails to remove water from the basement.
Cold Weather Increases The Risk of Basement Water Problems
When the weather turns cold, the chance of basement wall leaking and other water problems can increase.
The most common causes of these basement water problems are poor drainage of water away from and out of the home.
Fortunately, these issues are easy to check for and remedy before they have a chance to cause damage to your home.
In Part 2 of this 2-part series, learn a few not-so-easy-to-remedy reasons why your basement might be damp or wet!
Basement Wall Leaking In Wichita Kansas?
Contact AAA Basement For Wet Basement Repairs!
Call (316) 215-7385 Today!
