Spring’s rising temperatures thaw the snow and frozen ground, which can lead to basement flooding. Occasional Michigan rainstorms also increase the risk of water damage to your foundation, basement, and other low-lying areas. Scheduling a waterproofing service can help you take preventative steps to protect your home and structures. Here are some ways to protect your home from spring thaw flooding:
Optimize Exterior Drainage
Exterior drainage provides your first line of defense against spring thaw flooding. Removing leaves and other debris from your gutters and downspouts enables water to flow freely away from your home. A waterproofing service may be able to clean your gutters and extend downspouts several feet away from your foundation. Extending the downspout prevents water from pooling around your home and seeping into the basement. Other exterior draining techniques include:
- Installing a French drain system to redirect water away from the foundation if you have a level yard that retains water
- Grading the ground around your home to create a slope that directs water away from your home
- Managing snow removal to allow water to drain away naturally
- Remove debris that could obstruct water flow
- Scheduling gutter and downspout repairs to have them ready for drainage when snow begins to thaw
Repair Foundation Cracks
Cracks and crumbling mortar in your foundation create room for water to seep into your home and basement. To prevent this, inspect the foundation for water stains, mold, and cracks. If you notice signs of damage, call a professional for thorough inspection and repair services. Issues like bowing or cracked walls require immediate attention as they signal foundation damage and potential collapse. Sagging floors, joist issues, and subfloor damage also require prompt repairs. Remove your valuable items and electronics from the basement to higher floors to prevent water damage and electrocution.
Basements and foundations should be waterproofed before spring rains begin. Professionals inspect all parts of your home, including sidewalks and garage floors, for signs of water damage. Michigan foundation repair companies seal minor and major cracks using waterproof caulks or hydraulic cement, whether they are on the foundation or basement floors. These companies may also offer concrete leveling, lifting, and stabilization, damp or flooded basement repair, and crawl space encapsulation.
Test the Sump Pump
A functional sump pump prevents water from accumulating in your basement or crawl space. Choosing pumps with D/C battery backup allows continued function in case of a power outage. To check if the sump pump functions, pour water into the pit to trigger it. If it pumps the water away, the pump is working correctly. Schedule early repairs if the sump pump does not work, produces strange sounds, or shows signs of malfunction. Cleaning the sump pump to remove sediment buildup and inspecting the discharge line for obstructions helps keep the pump in working condition.
Professionals usually clean sump pumps during inspections and repairs. If you have an old pump that breaks down frequently, replace it with a more efficient model before spring arrives. You can also request egress window installation for your basement. An egress window is built into your home’s foundation to provide a safe escape in the event of flooding, fire, or other emergencies. Another proactive way to deal with flooding is to install a backflow valve, which prevents sewage and pumped water from flowing back into your home.
Hire Professional Waterproofing Service Today
Waterproofing your foundation and basement helps keep water and debris from entering your home, preventing moisture damage, mold, and pests. You can also install water sensors and smart leak detectors that alert you when water enters places it shouldn’t. Contact a foundation repair company today to hire a professional waterproofing service for your home.
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