Unstable Winter Weather Can Cause Damp Basement Concerns

The winter we’ve had in Upstate New York this year has been one of inconsistency. We’ve seen rain, snow, below freezing temperatures and warm-ups that have made us think short and t-shirt weather is right around the corner. We’ve all heard the old adage – if you don’t like the weather here, wait five minutes – and this year that has certainly rung true thus far. Unfortunately, though, the wacky weather has caused basement concerns for many.

Snowing and thawing, coupled with the occasional rain shower, is the perfect storm when it comes to basement water. Our home’s foundations have been inundated with water all season long. That’s because the pattern we’ve seen have been sudden, heavy wet snows, followed by unseasonably warm temperatures that cause a quick melting. If your basement is prone to dampness and flooding, without a doubt you’ve noticed already that you have some moisture concerns. It’s never too late to take some extra precautions though, as this New York Times article suggest.

One thing you’ll want to do right away is to make sure your gutters are clean. Clogged gutters can cause water from melted snow and rains to overflow and come down inches away from your home. And when so much water seeps into the ground close to your basement, some of it is sure to seep into your home. A second step you can take is to make sure drainpipes discharge water far enough away from your foundation – at least three feet. By taking these two precautions, you may discover your basement is drier.

What can you do if your gutters and drainpipes aren’t the problem?

Unfortunately, sometimes there are issues in your basement that can’t be fixed by simply directing water away from your home. Sometimes, the moisture problem is due to cracked basement walls or floors, or sometimes there’s a moisture problem beneath the surface of your basement. That’s when you need help from experts like Basement Waterproofing, Inc. We work to provide our customers with efficient, economic solutions for their water problems. We offer an extensive list of services that can help your basement become moisture-free, including:

• Foundation Waterproofing
• Basement Wall & Foundation Repair
• Battery Backup Basement Pumps
• Basement Mold Treatment
• Humidity Control

A damp basement becomes the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of mold, mildew and bacteria – some of which can wreak havoc with your family’s health. Not to mention, a wet, moldy basement creates an unpleasant and unusable area in your home, so it’s best to get it taken care of, before it takes a toll on your living environment. Don’t let this crazy winter get you – or your basement – down. Give BWI a call at (800) 439-4951. We’re fully staffed during normal working hours to answer your calls.