Know Why Your Home’s Basement Might Leak During Winter

Have you ever experienced having a leaking basement for a time last winter? If you still have no idea why it happened, it’s time for you to know the possible reasons so you can do something about them.

After all, you wouldn’t want to spend the holidays mopping up water in your basement again and experiencing inconveniences that may disrupt your holiday plans. So, keep reading to find out why your basement might leak in the winter. 

Reason #1: Your Basement Will Radiate Heat That Can Melt Snow

As you know, your basement will not get the same temperature as outside. It’s typically warmer in that area, so there’s a tendency that the frozen soil and snow will melt. There’s a more thorough explanation for this. Your basement radiates heat because the ground outside your home is cold, frozen, and covered in snow, while the temperature inside your basement is warm and toasty. 

Since that is the case, the radiant heat entering the ground will cause frozen soil and snow to melt, creating and accumulating moisture. That moisture is the culprit behind your basement leaks. It builds up and is trapped between your basement walls and floors during winter, which is why you’re experiencing a leaky basement.

Reason #2: There’s a Hydrostatic Pressure Happening 

If this is your first time hearing about the term, hydrostatic pressure is just the fancy term for the downward pull of gravity. That downward pull of gravity is also one of the culprits why your basement leaks. 

In connection with the trapped moisture we mentioned earlier, it’s the hydrostatic pressure that pushes down on the trapped moisture between your basement walls and floors. As the pressure builds, it can force the moisture through existing cracks and holes in your foundation and can even create new cracks. So, you’re experiencing a leaky basement in the winter probably because of hydrostatic pressure. 

Reason #3: There’s Eaves, Troughs, and Downspouts Draining Too Close to Your House

Improperly designed and maintained eaves, troughs, and downspouts are enough reasons why you’re experiencing leaks in your basement during winter. As you know, these elements are essential to keep leaks at bay. They are there because they will reroute water away from your home. If they don’t adequately serve their purpose, then there’s a higher chance that you will suffer leaks in your basement and flood in your property. As much as possible, ensure that these elements are correctly installed and maintained so that you can prevent having a leaky basement. 

Reason #4: You Have the Wrong Type of Soil

Your basement has leaks probably because you have the wrong type of soil surrounding your basement. Having the right kind of soil and irrigation is essential because they help the water drain properly and pull moisture away from your home. If you use the wrong type of soil, moisture will only pool and become trapped against your basement wall. So, make sure that you only use the correct soil type to prevent any leaks and flooding from happening. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the reasons why your basement leaks in the winter, you can now do some preventative maintenance and upgrades to prevent it from happening. Let’s make the holidays as fun and as smooth as possible. Get your basement out of your worries so that you can truly enjoy this season!

Sir Williams Drainage and Waterproofing Solutions can be your waterproofing contractor in Belleville! Our highly skilled and experienced team can waterproof any leaky basement with quality and efficiency on all of our processes. Contact us today and get a free estimate!