Can You Waterproof Your Basement In The Winter?

Waterproofing Your Basement

Waterproofing your basement is essential, especially if you live in an area with heavy rainfall. No matter how you use your basement, keeping it free from mold and mildew and reducing your risk of flooding is important. A basement that has not been waterproofed is vulnerable to moisture damage, can result in a weakened foundation, and can even decrease the structural integrity of your home. Ideally, you would have your basement waterproofed before winter weather arrives, but if you haven’t had it done, have you missed your window? Can you waterproof a basement in winter?

Ideal Waterproofing Conditions

A dry, warm day is the optimal time to waterproof a basement. However, if your basement needs to be waterproofed, it’s better to get it done sooner rather than later. Putting it off until spring could result in damage to your foundation while you’re waiting for better weather. Even if the ground is frozen, having the work done on a dry day in fall or winter is a much better option than gambling on waiting until spring.

Ease of Appointments in Winter

The reality is that most people have their basements waterproofed in the spring and summer months. During the winter, it’s a quieter time for waterproofing, construction, and renovation professionals, and waterproofing technicians have schedules that are much more open. You are more likely to be able to schedule an appointment that fits with your schedule, and the technicians will be able to finish the job more quickly because they can devote more time and resources to it while they’re not as busy.

Can You Waterproof with Existing Damage?

If there is existing damage to the basement, it may prevent you from being able to waterproof it. If your basement has issues with standing water, dampness, mold, and mildew, spreading cracks, or a bulging or sinking foundation, you will need to address these before starting waterproofing work. If you allow these issues to remain, any waterproofing work that is done is likely to be ruined by existing damage that has snowballed and caused further issues. Having your basement inspected by a responsible contractor before beginning any work is a good way to ensure that you are aware of any repairs that should be made, and that your basement will be in good shape once the work is completed.

Benefits of Waterproofing in Winter

The benefits of having your basement waterproofed in winter are plentiful. As addressed, winter is an easier time to find a contractor who can do the work, but the benefits go far beyond that. Let’s look at just a few of them.

• Waterproofing your home in winter reduces dampness and humidity in your home. This means you will have better air quality, and your energy bills are likely to be lower.
• You can prevent the extensive damage winter weather does by waterproofing. The freeze/thaw cycle causes the soil to shrink and expand, and this puts immense pressure on foundation walls. This pressure can cause cracks or widen existing cracks, allowing water into your basement and causing damage to your home. By waterproofing your basement, you prevent this from occurring and protect your home’s structural integrity.
• Hiring waterproofing professionals is also beneficial. Basement waterproofing professionals can assess your basement and foundation in order to address issues that need to be resolved. As a homeowner, you can easily miss some of the issues that professionals can easily find. What’s more, basement waterproofing contractors don’t have a problem with waterproofing in winter, because they know exactly how to do it.
• Waterproofing in winter protects against the spring thaw. As the ground begins to thaw in spring, it can cause a gap between the foundation and the soil which causes water to enter the foundation more easily. A basement that isn’t waterproof allows water to invade the basement, inviting mold and pests, ruining your belongings, and weakening the supports of your home. If you have the basement waterproofed this winter, your basement is much less likely to flood in the spring.

Don’t Let Rain and Snow Surprise You

One thing that is certain is that it will rain and snow every year, and in some seasons more than others. Why wouldn’t you take the step to protect your basement from the flooding that often occurs during inclement weather? By making the investment in waterproofing your basement, you will be positioning yourself in a place of confidence, secure in the knowledge that your home is protected.

Basement Waterproofing in Maryland

If you are looking for a Maryland company with the experience and know-how to provide basement waterproofing, mold removal, crawlspace encapsulation, sump pump maintenance, or foundation repair, Budget Waterproofing can help. At Budget Waterproofing, we’ve got more than 55 years of experience servicing both commercial and residential customers throughout Maryland. We’re proud of our craftsmanship and confident in our skills, and all of our technicians are fully licensed and insured. We also hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau of Maryland. Whether you need foundation repair, basement waterproofing, a drainage system, crawl space waterproofing, or egress window installation, we’ve got you covered, with the experience and skills necessary to improve your basement and protect your property today and in the future. For more information, call 410.690.4970 or contact us through our website.