Have You Waterproofed Your Basement This Winter?

Dec 7, 2015

It is safe to say the word “harsh” falls short of describing the winters in Canada. Whether you live in Kitchener, Toronto, Brampton, Oakville, or Ottawa, the weather makes itself known during the winter months. As blizzards, heavy snowfalls, freezing rain, and frosty temperatures swoop in, a whole list of water-related problems also appear.

We understand the desire to curl up all winter and delay necessary work until spring, but that’s a big risk. Waiting could be a grave mistake and will cause much damage to your house and make your wallet a little lighter come spring. If you want to prevent damage, you need to address problems right away, because they’ll only get worse once the snow and ice start to thaw.

Foundation Cracks in the Winter

When the temperature falls below zero, the water in the pipes, downspouts and troughs can freeze causing ice jams. With the drains frozen shut, the water has nowhere to go but to the ground right beside the foundation. From there, it’s only a matter of time before they seep through foundation cracks, tie rod holes, wall floor joins, window wells, cinder blocks, or sill plates into your basement.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Once the ice starts to melt, it turns into the water which will only add to the problem. As the temperatures change, the soil around your house will expand and contract. As the weather starts to warm in March and April, the soil around your house will contract and you will be left with a gap. The melting snow and ice will fill this gap and cause a phenomenon known as hydrostatic pressure. Pressure builds up and it needs some way to be released, and the water will find its way into your basement if there is an opportunity.

Winter Basement Waterproofing

Some tasks are difficult to do during the winter, especially exterior work. However, any internal basement waterproofing jobs can be done in the winter with no issue. If you need to install or repair an internal drainage system like a French drain, have the sump pump inspected, schedule mould remediation, or finish the basement, all of this is completely feasible in the winter months.

We can’t stress this enough – if you wait until spring, it might already be too late. “A stitch in nine saves time” is a famous saying for a reason! Contact The Crack Doctor Waterproofing Group for all of your basement waterproofing needs no matter what time of year it is.

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