What’s the main culprit behind basement leaks in winter? The usual culprit would be cracks in the basement walls and floor. But there are other reasons why there are leaks in your basement.
These are:
Heat From Your Basement and Hydrostatic Pressure
The heat coming from your basement might have melted the snow around it. With nowhere to go, water is trapped between the frozen soil and the basement walls. The pull of gravity (also known as hydrostatic pressure) will push the trapped moisture downwards until it forces water into your home through cracks in the walls and floors.
Faulty Gutter Design or Shoddy Gutter Installation
Another possible culprit is downspouts that are too close to your basement. Gutters help protect your exterior from moisture damage by diverting water to the drains via the downspouts. In general, downspouts should be 4 feet away from your basement or foundation. Otherwise, water might seep into your basement.
Overflowing Gutters
Water overflowing from your gutters might also be to blame for basement leaks. To prevent gutter clogs that keep water from flowing to the drains, it’s important to routinely clean your gutters. What if you just don’t have the time for gutter maintenance? There’s the option of installing gutter guards, which reduce your gutter’s maintenance needs by preventing leaves, twigs, and debris from entering and clogging your gutters.
Keep in mind that gutter guards can only reduce, not eliminate, your gutter’s maintenance needs. That is except for Gutter Helmet®, the best gutter guards on the market and the only one with a Never Clean Your Gutters Again® guarantee.
Preventing Basement Leaks
Aside from routine gutter maintenance and installing gutter guards, what are the other ways to prevent leaks in your basement? The simplest way is to keep snow away from your basement. It would also be a good idea to have a professional inspect your plumbing and drainage lines for any leaks. And if you’re considering getting new gutters, make sure a qualified contractor handles the installation.
Gutter Helmet of Minnesota offers Gutter Helmet, the best gutter guards in the market, as well GenGo Designer Series Gutters. To request a free quote, call Gutter Helmet of Minnesota at (866) 200-5339 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Monticello as well as the surrounding communities in Minnesota.
