Winter is coming to Ottawa, and it’s going to hit hard. Any homeowner who has ever had to deal with a broken furnace, frozen pipes, or other winter problems knows how alert you need to be from December to March. One of the most commonly and dreaded problems faced post-winter is a leaky basement. Once the snow starts to melt and find its way into every little nook and cranky in your basement, you can end up with a very serious problem on your hands. Is there anything you can do this winter to prevent leaks in the spring?
Of course there is a solution and in this case there are many things you can do to prevent leaks once winter is over. A little work put in now will make all the difference in the end. If you don’t have the time or you’re not particularly handy, don’t hesitate to call the basement waterproofing pros at City Residential Foundation Repair to tackle the issue.
Have You Unclogged Your Gutters?
The gutters on your property can get clogged up due to all the leaves, twigs, and other debris that falls in and gets stuck. Once there is a clog, water will leak down around your house’s foundation and cause real trouble.
Have You Inspected Your Window Wells?
The exterior of the house is always vulnerable to the worst weather conditions. Windows and window wells around the basement are another major reason for leakages. Before winter is upon us, be sure to check if the windows are in good shape and that there aren’t any holes or cracks. Also check whether or not the window well drains are free of clogs.
Have You Checked the Slope?
The grounds surrounding your house should be sloping downwards so that water flows away from your home. If it is sloping towards your house, then you are looking at severe foundation damage. Some landscaping work should do the trick, or call in the basement waterproofing pros to make sure it’s perfect.
Have You Checked Your Sump Pump?
If you have a sump pump in your basement, then make sure it is functioning effectively. Also ensure the backup power (if you have any) is working effectively. Otherwise, you have a functioning sump pump sitting idle, not doing its job when the power goes out.
Have You Inspected Your Basement?
Before the winter comes, inspect your basement for any leakages or water spots there might be. If there is any sign of damage (either old or new), you know you have a problem and need to address it ASAP before it gets worse.
Have You Fixed Your Downspouts?
Make sure your downspouts are in good condition and the water going down in at least six inches away from the foundation of the house. Buying new downspouts is always cheaper than fixing a foundation, so it’s a worthy investment.
Nonetheless, make sure you do these things and it is always wise to get a professional to inspect the house before the weather gets too cold. Have a safe and happy winter!
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