Spring Brings Plenty Of Challenges To Basement Walls
Maryland winters can be rough, with heavy snow and freezing temps. But the springtime is often even more taxing on a home, particularly on a basement’s walls. Foundation walls have to be able to shield against this moisture in order to prevent things like rot, mildew, mold, and more. Here at AA Action Waterproofing we believe that every time of year is worth considering basement waterproofing, but springtime is certainly one that deserves closer attention.
There are several challenges that spring brings with it, and it’s worth looking at them a little bit more in order to understand why you need to think about waterproofing your basement.
- The Thaw – As spring’s warmer temperatures approach, the thaw begins. Not only does melting snow mean that the ground is wetter, but the frozen earth itself will begin to shed a substantial amount of water that your basement walls have to deal with. That additidonal water can quickly create issues for basements that aren’t waterproofed fully.
- Rainfall – Maryland receives around 3 to 4 inches of rainfall each month, and even more during the springtime is possible. Those rains are bad enough, but when combined with the thaw it can get even more profound. As such, it’s important to keep your basement ready.
- Thawing Walls – The ground isn’t the only thing that thaws during the spring. During winter, it’s possible for water that has found its way into cracks in the foundation to freeze and expand. As it thaws it leaves behind even larger cracks which in turn can lead to more significant water amounts making their way into your home.
- The Busy Season – Your busy schedule can mean that you don’t have time to devote to all the various parts of your home. It’s easy to forget about the basement when you’re handling other tasks, and this can mean that it ends up flooded without you even realizing it.
All of these things combine to make spring a very difficult period of time for your home’s basement. It’s important that you address waterproofing issues early on so you don’t find yourself left with a more significant issue like flooding, rot, or mold growth. As spring moves forward, be sure that you give your basement a bit of attention to make sure it’s ready for all that the season can throw at it.