3 gutter cleaners!
Snow removal, gutter cleaning and other simple measures can ward off moisture and mold.
If you have a dry basement, chances are you want it to stay that way.
Especially during harsh winter weather, when snow piles up and the ground is frozen, you don’t want your basement to spring a leak.
Don’t wait for the first snowfall. There are things you can do now to keep your basement dry and mold-free, and to protect it from water damage during the cold winter months.
You don’t have to be a basement waterproofing expert ... but performing a few routine tasks throughout the year will help drive off moisture and mold. Whether it's cleaning gutters come fall or sloping the land away from your foundation in the spring, small steps can have a big impact.
1. Grading, snow removal and your home’s foundation
Grading
When it comes to water damage and flooding in your basement, winter may be just as bad as spring — and is capable of causing even more havoc. Snow buildup might even lead to a disaster in your basement.
As snow surrounding your home melts, it can seep into the foundation if it isn’t pitched away from the house. Moisture may make its way inside your basement through existing cracks, or create new ones due to pressure building up.
Sloping the land around your house away from the foundation can prevent this problem. Grading may be necessary to create a positive pitch and help direct water away from the house.
Snow removal
The easiest way to prevent water from seeping into your basement during winter is to remove snow from around the foundation. Do this as often as you would remove snow from your driveway, to prevent an accumulation.
Regular snow removal will help keep your basement dry throughout winter.
2. Gutter cleaning
When rainwater spills over the edge of the roof, your home’s gutters direct it away from the foundation. But debris can build up, clogging the gutters and downspouts and causing them to drain incorrectly against the foundation.
At the end of fall, put gutter cleaning on your to-do list. Check that your gutters are free of leaves and other debris.
Also, make sure the gutters are directing water far enough from your home. You can attach a downspout extension of approximately 6-8 feet to ensure this.
An underground drainage system, which directs water to the street or storm drain, is another good option.
3. Check your pipes
Inspect your plumbing pipes before winter, when the freezing temperatures can cause trouble. Be on the lookout for leaks and moisture buildup in all areas. When water freezes it expands, putting pressure on your pipes.
To keep pipes from freezing, make sure they’re properly insulated. Water traveling through the pipes will help prevent your lines from freezing up, so if temperatures are very cold, keep a faucet slowly running.
Speaking of frozen pipes … don’t forget about your garden hose. To avoid a burst interior pipe, disconnect outdoor hoses before temperatures drop below freezing.
Even the tiniest cracks can let cold air in and freeze your pipes. Make sure your home is properly insulated and sealed.
Everybody wants a dry basement
Remember — to have a dry basement, focus on these simple tasks:
• Proper grading around the foundation and regularly removing snow
• Cleaning the gutters
• Insulating plumbing pipes and disconnecting garden hoses before the first frost.
Ensuring your basement is prepared for every season means it will remain dry and mold-free, saving time and money down the road.
About this Experts Contributor: Paul Wagner is president of Comprehensive Mold Management, a local family-owned and operated company in Rochester, New York. Find them on Twitter and Google+.
As of March 9, 2017, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.