April 30, 2019

Upstate New York Weather and How It Can Damage Your Foundation

Snow is finally on its way out but can leave some damage to your home behind. As the weather warms up the snow piles shrink, but where does that water go? If you aren't careful, it can go directly into your basement.

Spring in upstate New York is unpredictable, with below-freezing temperatures one day and warm sunny days the next. When water melts, it can pool and go into the porous surface of the concrete walls and floors of your foundation. With a colder day, that same water will freeze and expand in those gaps. When this happens over and over again in a short period of time, small cracks can start to develop. Small cracks over time grow into larger cracks, leaving space for water to navigate into places that can damage the foundation and bring moisture into your basement.

Even though the climate in Upstate New York is unavoidable and all homes in our area are susceptible to damage, there are small measures you can take to slow the process.  It’s important to make sure that all water is diverted away from the base of your home. Be sure that all gutters and drainage is directed away from the house and into the yard.  Add additional soil and even change the angle of the dirt around the foundation so water rolls away from the building. Above all, get to know your basement. If you notice cracks early, it's much easier to deal with when they are small before they become a big issue.

Even with small steps to deter water from the basement, it's important to contact a professional immediately to avoid further damage if you see cracks and small amounts of water in your home. Call Everdry Waterproofing of Upstate New York for your free estimate at the first sign of water damage.