Preventing Basement Seepage & Flooding From Snowmelt

Homeowners shouldn’t have to fear flooding or basement seepage after snow melts. While it’s true melting snow can result in excess water and runoff in your basement, there are steps you can take to minimize the risks of flooding. 

Minor floods can usually be repaired relatively quickly, however, water damage can quickly cause mold growth, structural damage, and more. Thankfully, homeowners can call on HRS, a leading provider of water damage restoration services to help.

Over the past two decades, HRS Restoration Services has repaired flooded basements for satisfied customers in Denver. Basement flooding can happen when you are not prepared. Our experienced technicians know how to deal with it. If your basement floods, it may require structural and electrical repairs, so the more you learn about what causes water damage, the better equipped you and professionals will be to prevent it from happening in the future. 

HRS Restoration Services IICRC certified professionals have undergone training and will handle your restoration with the highest level of care. 

You can schedule an appointment or obtain more information by calling HRS today!

How Does Snow Melting Cause Flooding? 

Snow melting into basements happens when the temperature rises causing snow to melt and the resulting water can get into your basement by seeping into cracks resulting in a damaged and flooded basement. 

Your home’s foundation emits heat, and after a snowfall the heat from your foundation, the temperature, and the sun can cause melting which can lead to a considerable amount of water to accumulate, overpowering drainage systems and causing water to leak into cracks in ceilings, walls, and floors.

Why Basements Are Prone To Leaking

The most common reason for leakage in basements is the pressure created in the foundation by the soil. Other points for water entry include cracks in the foundation, clogged drains, and leaky windows.

Read on for more about why your basement may be leaking after snow melts.

Basement Heat Radiation

The ground, under the basement’s flooring, has a temperature that is typically higher than the temperature in the basement, and heat transfer can occur between them. Heat is moved by conduction as a result of the immediate contact between the floor and the ground, while the warmth conductivity of the surrounding soil also plays a role.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Gravity’s downward pull is known as hydraulic pressure. This pressure is commonly the cause of a leaky basement. As heat radiating from your basement melts the snow, moisture accumulates between the ground and the walls, trapping it. 

Due to the lack of alternate routes, hydrostatic pressure forces moisture downward and into your basement. 

Downspouts Draining Too Close To Home

To prevent leaks, downspouts must function correctly. A downspout reroutes water away from your property so there won’t be any leaks in your basement. After snow melts, basement seepage will occur if the downspouts are too close to your house causing snow melt water in basements.

When your downspouts are too close to your foundation, rainwater and melting snow have a pathway into your basement. Because of this, melted snow will leak through the walls and windows. What’s more, the resulting mold and mildew growth can cause structural damage to your drywall. 

Wrong Type Of Soil

Basement leaks are often caused by the type of soil that surrounds your basement. Some soils drain better than others, so a soil type that does not drain properly can cause water to pool against your basement walls and allow moisture to accumulate. 

Rather than accumulating moisture and building pressure, clay soil can actually prevent leaks and flooding because it absorbs moisture. For more stable ground surrounding your basement, you may need to replace the soil with clean fill dirt and top with stone or mulch to reduce erosion. 

Landscape Slope

Your home’s foundation should always be sloped away from the soil around it to act as a natural runoff for rainwater. Your yard should slope down and away from your home’s foundation at least .5 inch per foot for at least 10 feet. Instead of water pooling at the base of your foundation, the slope will guide it away. 

Cracks In Walls, Floors & Ceiling

Cracks in the floor and walls are most often where water enters your basement. Moisture that accumulates outside between the ground and the walls is forced to escape by pressure, which causes it to seek an opening. Pressure builds on the walls, causing water to leak through cracks and into your basement.

Cracks in your basement can lead to moisture problems if not repaired properly. When water is pressed up against the wall, it can and will seep through. 

Clogged Drain

If you make sure your drains are operating properly, you will be amazed how many leaks and floods you can prevent. When your drain is clogged, water can back up in your pipes, causing your basement to overflow. Besides the sewer lines that connect to your home, municipal sewer lines may also be clogged. 

Take measures to ensure that your home’s pipes are flowing freely, even if you can’t help with clogs in the municipal line. Your basement drains will prevent water from backing up if they are unclogged and draining correctly. 

Leaky Windows

Window wells allow light and air into your basement, but they can also let water seep in. Properly sealing the windows and repairing cracks is extremely important. Window wells should be properly drained to avoid water pooling around your basement windows and allowing rainwater a path away from your house. 

Tips For Preventing Flooding Due To Melting Snow

There are many ways you can keep your basement from flooding after a snowmelt. These steps include quickly clearing snow off your property, clearing downspouts and gutters, and maintaining your sump pump and interior drains. It is crucial to take preventive measures since wall cracks, leaks, and floods can happen without warning, resulting in a wet basement because of melting snow or rainstorms.

Heed the following tips to prevent basement flooding after snowmelt. There is only a matter of time between melting snow and wet basements. Read on for more on how to keep melting snow out of basements.

Clear Snow Off Property

If you want to avoid flooding in your home due to melting snow, make sure to clear snow from the top of your property and the area around it. Even though it may seem tedious and time-consuming, clearing snow away from the basement after shoveling may prevent serious damage to your home.

Clear Downspouts

During the winter, preventive measures are crucial to preventing basement flooding. Water should be able to safely drain away from downspouts that are clear and unclogged. Make sure that water runs away from your house’s foundation by making a passage with a shovel or adding a pipe. Ensure that there are no icicles around the base of the pipe or along the eaves that may prevent water from escaping. 

Seal Cracks In Basement 

Water can seep in through cracked basement walls and end up in your basement if cracks are wide enough. However, despite the fact that concrete can be repaired with a sealing kit from a hardware store, the material remains permeable. The moisture from your basement walls will seep through if there is enough water outside your walls.

Maintain & Test Sump Pump

A sump pump is essential if you have a finished basement. If snowmelt causes basement flooding, you’ll likely have to cover the cost of repairs because heavy rain or natural disasters aren’t covered under standard homeowners insurance. 

Note that sump pumps that have been sitting idle for months sometimes don’t work correctly. Or if the sump pump was not installed properly, there will be water in the basement after the winter thaw. 

An excess of water is collected and pumped away from the house by a sump pump. Installing a sump pump in the basement floor involves creating a hole lower than the foundation. The electric pump is activated when the hole fills with water, and it begins pumping the water away. 

Inspect & Clear Gutters

It is important to maintain your gutters on a regular basis. One way is removing leaves or debris in your gutter so that melted snow can flow away efficiently. Water will overflow from blocked gutters and seek out holes or gaps in your roof or in the foundation below.  

A wise strategy is to keep an eye out for debris and lawn refuse  all year  to prevent water from pooling in your gutters.

Clear Snow From Roof

Keep your home free of snow throughout the winter to avoid flooding due to melting snow. It may seem time consuming, but it’s important to do it after every heavy snow. Shovel the snow in such a way that when it melts, the water drains away from the home.

What To Do If Your Basement Floods

Unexpected flooding in your basement is all too common. Fixing basement water damage as soon as possible is imperative to save your foundation and belongings. 

A basement flood can make you feel helpless and panicked, but it may not be as severe as you fear. Before you do anything, make sure all power sources, including electricity and gas, are turned off in the area. When the power is on, never enter a flooded area to avoid the risk of electrocution. If you have any questions about how to shut off the power, contact an electrician. To be on the safe side, wait for the storm to pass before taking action.

If you enter a flooded basement, wear protective clothing like boots and gloves. In the case of limited flooding, you may be able to handle things yourself, but why take a chance? 

Unless you’re skilled in plumbing and water extraction, there are some things you just can’t prepare for. HRS Restoration Services team members have the tools and expertise to perform water extraction and mitigation in Denver. 

When your basement floods, it can result in mold growth, sewage backup, and damage to your walls and flooring, which can warp and damage both beyond repair. Electrical outlets will likely be affected if your basement floods. For each of these scenarios, a full-service restoration company like HRS employs expert team members who can help. Professionals have a keen eye for details that you might miss. If your basement floods, call on an experienced team to help you. Our HRS Restoration Services experts offer full-service mold restoration in Denver. 

Why Choose HRS Restoration Services

HRS is the go to, full service company for all your disaster needs. We’re ready to respond 24/7, and our team is experienced in fixing your flooded basement. From water damage restoration in Denver, mold remediation, and reconstruction – we’ve got you covered. 

Contact HRS Restoration Services Today!

Call HRS Restoration Services when you need help with your flooded basement. We’re here and ready to schedule your appointment!