Winter is a time when homeowners seek to strengthen their homes against the oncoming elements. Usually, this is done by tightening the seals that could let cold air in, and allow heat to escape. Windows, doors, insulation — these are all prime considerations during the process of winterization.
But what about waterproofing? Why would you want to consider your home’s waterproof status when the snow is about to fly? There are three main reasons.
1. Most homes have poor waterproofing
Waterproofing just isn’t something a lot of homeowners have paid attention to recently, and as the seasons come and go, the foundations of the aging homes grow weaker — and eventually more susceptible to water. Homes with basements are, of course, especially vulnerable to the presence of water. But even homes without basements can suffer significant foundation and waterproofing issues, as a result of outdated construction methods and/or years and decades without any waterproofing updates.
2. All that snow is going melt
When is waterproofing most useful? When is it most crucial? The answer is: When there is a lot of water gathering around the base or foundation of the home. You might think rainy days are the prime example, but what about all that snowmelt in the spring? If you live in a wintry state like New Jersey, melting snow can make for some serious accumulation of water. And by the time it happens, it’s too late to stop it by trying to waterproof. A serious waterproofing project takes time to organize, budget, and execute. Snowmelt and springtime runoff are a great reason to take care of your waterproofing situation before the snow flies. That way, when spring comes, you’re ready.
3. Warm spells during winter can cause water problems
As we all know (but perhaps don’t think about), spring isn’t the only seasons where snowmelt can be an issue for homes that aren’t properly waterproofed. Snow can melt in the winter time just as easily! Warm spells come and go, and sometimes the temperature hovers above freezing for weeks. The warmer the temp, the more snowmelt (i.e. running water) you’ll have to deal with. Homeowners are often surprised when basement flooding and foundation problems are experienced during winter, but it’s really as simple as the law of thermodynamics! It’s also worth considering that climate change has made winters more mild in certain areas, meaning there might be a greater chance of snowmelt during the winter months, both this year and on into the future.
Where to turn for your waterproofing needs
You’ll want to look for a specialist who is skilled and experienced in waterproofing, masonry, and foundation work. You may not know how well your home’s foundation and basement are currently protected against water, so a preliminary assessment will probably be necessary to figure out what (if anything) needs to be done. If you’ve already been having waterproofing issues and are fairly certain there’s an issue, your local reputable specialist should be able to give you a clearer picture of the situation, along with steps on how to resolve it.