Winter Basement Woes

It’s common to hear of damaging floods affecting homeowners in the spring and summer months here in southwestern Ontario – but you may be surprised to know that leaky basement are just as common in during the winter months! In fact, the extreme cold and thaw cycles we experience in southwestern Ontario can cause extensive damage beyond a wet basement!  

Here are three ways water can damage your home during the cold winter months.

1. Consider that your basement is warm and the heat from your basement extends outward into the surrounding soils. When ice and snow build next to your home’s foundation, it melts from the radiant heat and can easily make its way into your basement.
2. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion creates extra pressure from the ground around your basement which further forces water into your home. Additionally, the pressure creates an extra burden on your foundation walls, which could lead to cracking, bowing or shifting – allowing for more water to enter as well as threatening the structural integrity of your home.
3. Discharge lines are often shallowly buried in the yard, making them susceptible to freezing and blocking. Blocked discharge lines may result in water backing up in your sump pump system, sump pump failure due to burnout and ultimately water damage to your home. 

At Advanced Basement Systems, we can help protect your home from water leaks throughout the entire year and keep your basement dry, even with all the extreme weather we experience here in southwestern Ontario. We’re pleased to offer you a complimentary inspection and quote: 1-800-638-7048