Why Snowmelt Puts Your Southeast Michigan Basement at Risk
If there’s one thing Michigan residents have plenty of experience with, it’s snow.
What Happens to Your Foundation When Snow Melts
Why exactly is melting snow such a big risk for homeowners? Snow begins to melt when the weather warms above freezing temperatures and the frozen ground slowly thaws. The water from melting snow has to go somewhere, and if there are any cracks in your foundation, you can bet that water will find them.
This is why checking your basement after a big snowstorm is critical. Water from snowmelt could seep inside, causing issues such as mold growth and damage to the floor and walls. Flood restoration is expensive, so it’s better to prevent water from entering in the first place.
How to Keep Water Away from Your Home
Your foundation may have a few cracks, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be at the mercy of Mother Nature come winter.
Proper yard grading is one of the best ways to keep snowmelt out of your basement. This entails sloping your yard so that snowmelt runs away from your house, not toward it. If your yard currently slopes toward your home, call a contractor to ask about grading.
Smart Solutions for Diverting Water Safely
Yard grading can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. If you’d rather not pay a contractor to re-grade your yard, consider installing French drains. A French drainage system features a perforated pipe in the ground that collects water and routes it away from your basement. You can cover the drain with rocks or gravel to hide the pipe and improve aesthetics.
Easy Ways to Stay Ahead of Basement Flooding
Don’t think of a drainage system as a set-it-and-forget-it solution. To avoid flooding, you’ll need to maintain your drains and gutters throughout the year. This includes checking drains for cracks and debris, such as leaves, twigs, and animal nests. You can handle drain maintenance yourself or hire a pro, such as Perma Dry Michigan, to maintain drains for you.
Sump pumps work by collecting a sudden influx of water and directing it away from your home, keeping your basement nice and dry. If you’re sold on the benefits of sump pumps, call Perma Dry Michigan to learn more about our expert sump pump installations.
