Winter is fast approaching, making now the best time to get your foundation and basement ready for winter. Thankfully, K. Kuypers has prepared a winter preparation checklist for you to follow to help you prepare!
Clear your Gutters
Gutters move water away from your home to prevent water damage. Over the course of the year, they can fill up with debris, such as leaves, twigs, and more. This causes water to spill out towards your foundation. To prepare for winter, clean and clear your gutters to keep water flowing away from your home.
Direct your Downspouts
Downspouts move the water from your gutters down and away from your home. To keep downspouts from freezing in winter, position them in a way that prevents standing water in the gutters, which can freeze and cause damage. Also, make sure the downspouts are directing water at least five feet away from your home.
Look for Outdoor Cracks
Cracks in your foundation or the walls of your basement can allow water to leak in and cause water damage. Water in the cracks can also freeze and expand, making the cracks bigger and more expensive to fix. Sealing outdoor foundation cracks as soon as possible is important. Read our blog on the Different Types of Foundation Cracks for more information.
Check your Sump Pump
As water accumulates in the sump pit, the sump pump activates and pumps the water out and away from your home. If your sump pump is broken, the sump pump discharge in winter can fail and flood your basement. Before winter arrives, check that your sump pump is working properly by testing the discharge pipe and hose and inspecting the overall system.
Windows and Window Wells
Cracks in basement windows and frames can allow water to seep in. Window wells that are filled with debris like leaves or trash can prevent water from properly draining away from the window, causing it to potentially leak into your home. Seal cracks around windows for winter and add caulk to areas where the seal has broken. Clean debris out of the window well and consider getting a cover for it.
Check your Pipes
A broken pipe can leak water into your basement and cause damage. To prevent bursting pipes in winter, look for cracks and fix them as soon as possible. Make sure you also have winter pipe insulation so pipes don’t freeze in the winter, which can cause them to break.
Grading
Ensure proper grading around the foundation (the way the yard slopes) is sloped away from your home, allowing water to move away from your foundation. When the grading around the foundation is flat or sloping towards your home, water, snow, and ice can pool around your foundation and leak in, causing water damage to your basement. Before the winter season, make sure your yard has proper grading.
Winterizing your home’s basement and foundation before winter arrives helps ensure everything is in good condition. K. Kuypers is always available to help winterize your home to avoid further damage and more costly repairs. To learn more about us and our basement waterproofing services, visit our services page, and testimonials page, or contact us for a free estimate.