Snow & Ice
Basement Woes
Basement flooding and damage is common during rainy and winter seasons. Each year, millions are spent for damp proofing basements. Many Americans are unaware but moisture due to snowfall can cause the same amount of damage to the basement as water logging can. In this article we would like to share our thoughts about snow and its adverse impact on the basement.
Excessive moisture damages basement in two ways-
Wet snow with or below freezing ground – Here, the snow accumulates on ground and appears sticky, thanks to the high partial liquid content.
Wet snow with or above freezing ground – Wet snow contains high amount of liquid as soon as it reaches the surface. It is composed of 50 % water. It receives liquid content by partially melting before hitting the ground. Here, very less snow accumulates on ground.
BASEMENT PROBLEMS DUE TO MELTING SNOW
Sometimes, melting snow causes extreme basement problems. Winter has its own problem altogether. The moment the snow melts on ground, it runs off towards foundation from where it seeps into wall cracks, fissuring into the thawed ground.
When ice dams build up on roofs from melting snow, it eventually weakens the walls, besides leaking into basements. You can prevent ice buildup by using de-icing cables near roof edge and in downspouts and gutters. Don’t pile snow against the house. Ensure the sump pump hose discharge doesn’t have low spots for the water to get collected and freeze.
While experiencing freeze, disconnect the discharge pipe or hose and bring it indoors so that it thaws out. The moment the ice is freed, reconnect the pipe or hose, ensuring the water drains nearly 10 feet away from basement foundation.
Don’t wait for snowfall or rainy season for basement waterproofing. Leaky basements mean stepping in the water in the stocking feet. Usually, this happens during fall rainy, spring or winter season. Before calling for waterproof-ed, conduct an estimate and repair. The best time is dry months and winter.
Additional steps to prevent basement flooding
- To curb basement flooding, homeowners might take few steps:-
- Watch for standing water pooling on the ground and those running down a house foundation
- Drain away any melting snow from the ground and roof
- Things to be considered for spring runoff:-
- Clear roof drains of snow, ice and other obstructions, ensuring that the melting snow doesn’t spill over and flows properly.
- Drain water at about two meters from the external walls and also run into land allowing it to simply flow away from the house.
- For excess snow, check roof and eaves troughs.
- Shovel snow away from basement window sills wherever possible.
- Remove snow build-up and ice ridges on ground preventing water from draining into the streets.
- Don’t shovel snow into the streets as it can stop drainage.