6 Effective Ways to Prepare for Snowmelt

At some point, winter has to end, and with the changing of seasons comes snowmelt. Unfortunately, snowmelt leads to a ton of water building up right next to your home, making it a good idea to prepare for snowmelt.

While you can take some basic steps on your own, the best ways to prepare for snowmelt usually involve helps from a professional basement waterproofing company. Whether you perform a DIY or get expert help, your basement is going to be better protected and ready for the weather changes with these tips.

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1. Maintain Downspouts and Gutters

Before spring arrives and melting snow threatens your home, you need to check the condition of the guttering system. Make sure the gutters and downspouts are clean and clear. Falling leaves, dirt, and debris might clog them. Follow the water’s path and ensure it is being channeled safely away from your home’s foundation. Do a thorough check between March and April as windy weather and the weight of snow might have caused some damage.

2. Regrade Your Yard

Your yard should slope away from your home; otherwise, melt-off will trickle toward the foundation and possibly seep in through cracks. If water is pooling around the yard, that’s an indication of a grading issue that needs urgent attention. Your yard should have a positive grade, meaning it slopes away from the home’s perimeter.

3. Inspect and Seal Wall Cracks

Cracks in your basement wall may not seem an issue until they start letting water in. Melting snow will release water, which will find its way into your basement through cracks. As the soil gets saturated, it will develop hydrostatic pressure.

This type of pressure can widen cracks and worsen the water problem. Installing basement wall repair tools, such as carbon fiber reinforcement or steel I-beams, can help keep wall cracks closed and prevent new ones from opening.

4. Replace Your Sump Pump

Having a sump pump can mean the difference between a dry basement and a soggy one in early spring, but if the one you currently have in your basement isn’t working, then it won’t make a difference.

Installing a properly functioning basement sump pump will eject any water that gets into the basement before it damages your floor and belongings. It’s best to have a backup power source because power can go off because of flooding. Installing a functional sump pump is a great way to prepare for snowmelt.

5. Clear Snow Heaps

During the winter, clear any piles of snow that build close to your home’s perimeter. The closest snow should fall is a few feet all around your house. Don’t forget the snow on the roof too, as it can obstruct water flow and cause pooling.

6. Waterproof the Basement

Your basement’s health depends on the waterproofing measures you put in place. As well as installing a new sump pump, pair it with an interior drainage system. Both systems will help you remove water that gets into the basement before it causes any serious damage. Remember to reseal basement windows and cover the egress with windows well covers.

How Snowmelt Can Affect Your Basement

Snowmelt poses similar risks as heavy rain. Snowmelt can weaken the foundation, damage the basement, and even lead to mold growth.

For instance, when the ice on the roof and snow in the yard starts to melt, the soil around your home will get soggy. This often makes the soil too weak to support the weight of your home, leading to foundation settlement and issues such as bowing basement walls.

You might also experience water problems if the gutters and downspouts are broken or clogged. With nowhere to go, water from the snowmelt on your roof will flow over the sides of the gutter right next to your home. When this happens, a lot of water can end up in your basement.

Protect Your Basement from Snowmelt With Ohio Basement Authority

Three Ohio Basement Authority workers posing in front of work truck.

The best people to protect your basement and foundation from melt-off are the experts at Ohio Basement Authority. Our team of experienced basement waterproofing installers gets the job done right the first time with industry-leading solutions—creating a clean, dry, and comfortable basement. Schedule a free basement waterproofing inspection and get a free quote today.

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Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.