Winter’s Coming. Here are 4 Ways to Winterize Your Basement.
While you’re making sure your skis are in good shape, and you know where the hats and mittens are, don’t forget about preparing your home for the snow and cold. And when you’re thinking about your home, make sure to winterize your basement.
1. Inspect the Foundation from the Outside.
The ground next to your home should slope away from the foundation. If necessary, add dirt up against the foundation to create at least a 2″ per foot (that is, a drop of 2″ for each foot you move away) slope against the foundation. Plants and shrubs should be at least 12″ away from the foundation and on a slight slope so that water is directed away from the foundation.
In addition, clean your gutters and keep them free of leaves, pine needles and other debris. Make sure downspouts are discharging water at least 5 feet from your foundation.
2. Seal Cracks & Leaks.
Ice and cold can create cracks and leaks around your foundation that allow water to get inside. Check around the outside of your home for small cracks that can potentially become larger through freezing and thawing. Inspect basement windows where water may collect. Hire a professional to seal cracks, particularly those in concrete walls that go all the way through.
Prevent cold air from blowing in as well. Check for worn or missing weather stripping around the doors and windows and caulk any gaps. Replace worn doorstops. Caulk or use weather stripping around pipes or ducts that go through an exterior wall.
3. Prepare Pipes for Winter Freeze.
Water expands when it freezes and can cause pipes to break. Even small cracks in a pipe can cause major flooding. You can protect your home with these simple steps:
- Drain water from outdoor faucets and disconnect garden hoses. Make sure the faucets are turned off.
- Wrap pipes with heat tape or cables.
- Insulate your basement.
- Where pipes are against an outside wall, leave cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach them.
- When the temperature is below freezing, drip warm water from the faucet overnight.
4. Have Your Heating System Maintained.
Now is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance call with your HVAC professional to ensure your system is clean, safe and operational. Be sure to replace the furnace filter as well. (This should be done every 1 to 3 months.)
If you have a fireplace in your basement, have the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected before you light your first fire of the season.
