With over four decades of experience, Tom’s Basement Waterproofing has been the trusted choice for Michigan homeowners seeking year-round dry basements. Our comprehensive services, from waterproofing to foundation repair, are not only effective but also budget-friendly. We pledge to resolve common basement issues, providing you peace of mind and a dry basement. Our proven solutions, coupled with seasonal maintenance, ensure your basement is prepared for the challenges of every season. Keep reading to discover how you can maintain a dry and water-protected basement all year long!
Spring Basement Maintenance Tips
In spring, homeowners can keep their basements dry by inspecting them and taking some simple steps to prevent common problems from arising. Coming out of winter, as the temperatures begin to rise, homeowners should inspect their basements for new cracks or leaks that cold weather can cause. Water that has frozen in the ground or in foundation cracks can expand and cause new cracks to form in a basement and an existing crack to worsen. Finding these cracks early and having a professional inspect and seal them can keep your basement dry and protected from spring storms. Other maintenance steps taken in spring should focus on diverting water away from the foundation of a home. Cleaning gutters out from debris like leaves and twigs and extending downspouts away from a foundation will direct rain away from a foundation, extending its life and helping to prevent leaks in a basement.
Summer Basement Maintenance Tips
Summer brings a new set of challenges for keeping your basement dry. Humidity control is essential to prevent mildew and mold from forming in a basement and on its contents. Homeowners can install a hygrometer device to monitor humidity levels in a basement and aim for a reading of 30% to 50%. Dehumidifiers can also be purchased to reduce humidity levels in a basement to the target levels. Sources of water that contribute to increased humidity levels should also be addressed. Common causes of increased humidity include:
- Uninsulated cold water lines
- Leaky plumbing
- Uncovered sump pumps
- Drying clothes in the basement
Summer is also an excellent time for an annual sump pump inspection to ensure it is ready to perform at its best.
Fall Basement Maintenance Tips
As fall sets in, homeowners should take proactive steps to ready their basements for the harsh winter, which can be particularly tough on a basement and its foundation. Preparing your basement for winter is a crucial step in preventing potential damage. Existing cracks should be professionally sealed to prevent water from working its way into the cracks and your basement. When the temperatures begin to drop, water can freeze and expand in cracks, leading to more areas for leaks to develop once temperatures rise. Cracks can also lead to drafts, letting cold air into a basement and driving up heating costs as the weather becomes colder. Addressing these issues in the fall can save you money and time as you prepare your basement for winter.
Winter Basement Maintenance Tips
In the winter, homeowners can keep their basements protected from the harsh conditions outdoors with maintenance that addresses humidity and ice that can damage a basement and foundation. Ice dams can form on roofs, preventing water from draining away from a foundation, allowing it to work its way into cracks where it can freeze again, expanding existing cracks and creating new ones. Monitoring ice dams, water, and ice around a basement and controlling humidity levels are essential steps to take in the winter to help your basement make it through this harsh season dry.
Get Expert Maintenance for a Dry Basement Year Round From Tom’s Basement Waterproofing
Having a basement that stays dry year-round doesn’t have to be difficult with a bit of help from Tom’s Basement Waterproofing. From inspecting cracks and sump pumps to sealing leaks and making foundation repairs, our team is here for you year-round, no matter what challenges the seasons bring. If you are still trying to get a dry basement, call our team today at (586) 949-7826 to get professional basement waterproofing and foundation repair services.