Winter is approaching faster than we think, which means that leaves will start falling and clogging up your gutters, foundation cracks will move with temperature change, water build-up will form against your foundation, and when you least expect it, a new worry adds to your list.
We've put together a quick list on what to check for when winterizing your home to avoid surprises that could have been preventable, such as gutter cleaning, landscaping, installing storm windows and foundation crack repair. The most important thing is to keep your home healthy and your family safe.
Landscaping
Deal with dead tree limbs. Icy rain or heavy snow can cause severe damage to your home or any other structure or object around them. The last thing you want is an angry neighbor yelling at you for the massive tree branch that just damaged his car in the morning.
Rooftop
Check your roof for loose or missing shingles and gaps around your chimney, and different openings. Be particularly watchful of the areas around windows, doors, and your foundation. Once you determine regions wherever water may intrude or ice may kind, address these issues. Seal cracks or install weatherstrip wherever acceptable. Repairing any leaks can offer a softer and untroubled winter.
Gutters & Downspouts
Check your gutters for leaves and debris. Plugged or clogged gutters will cause more significant issues than just a water overflow draining down your roof. Gutters play a substantial role in preventing basement water leaks by directing water away from your foundation. When this fails, the excess of water collecting against your foundation may cause a high water table and hydrostatic pressure against your foundation which can cause water to penetrate through wall cracks, floor cracks, and leak in the cove joint or any other voids in your foundation. Also, ensure that your downspouts and your neighbors are directed far away from your foundation.
Basement Foundation
Inspect your outside foundation for any concrete cracks, even very hairline ones. If left untreated they can easily spawl out of control after an unusually severe winter. Check in all common places where concrete cracks can occur. Typical areas include around window wells, around stairs, in driveways, garages, and in hard to see areas. You can quickly do a water test by pouring running a water hose alongside the foundation near the suspected area for about an hour or so and checking the inside of your basement for any dampness or leaks. If you do find any signs of cracks, you're better off sealing them immediately. With a Flexomeric DIY kit, a polyurethane injection resin will fill and seal the void while remaining flexible throughout the change in seasons when concrete expands and contracts. This ensures that your foundation crack will stay watertight and help keep the crack from getting wider.
Don't worry; foundation crack repair can be an easy job when using the right product and method. We’ve put together two kits that achieve the same professional level repair. To begin, go out and measure the smallest width of the crack. If you try placing a quarter coin inside the thinnest part of the crack and it fits, use the FLEXKIT-100. Otherwise, use FLEXKIT-200. From there, our easy instructions will ensure a complete seal that will last.
Plumbing
Be proactive about plumbing, especially if you live in cold climates. Be sure that your plumbing isn’t vulnerable to cold that can cause pipes to burst, which is a catastrophe that can result in water damage or growth of mold. A catastrophic water pipe burst can easily cost you thousands in an otherwise perfectly avoidable situation. If you have sprinklers or a pool, those are two very vulnerable systems that should be cleaned of water before freezing starts.
Indoor Air Quality
Home air quality is essential during winter since your home's air will be more confined. Dehumidifiers are built to remove moisture and keep your home’s air balanced and clean. To avoid the problems caused by moisture, and to create a comfortable, healthy and safe living environment, a dehumidifier is necessary to maintain relative humidity between 45–50% throughout the home. Flexomeric carries a full line of dehumidifiers made in the US. It is essential to keep your home free from mold and bad air quality, your family's health is vital.
Mold & Mildew
Mold will worsen allergies, trigger respiratory disorder attacks, and cause issues for individuals with compromised immune systems. The good news is that mold desires water to flourish. When showering, use your bathroom fan, if vented to the outside, and make sure any moisture-producing appliance (like your clothes dryer) is exhausted outside. Check these vents for any clogs or leaks and do a proper cleanout. Sealing any voids in your concrete foundation such as cracks, around pipes or conduits, honeycomb areas, tie rods, around windows, bulkheads, and steps can also prevent water or moisture from entering your home; hence, eliminating mold. By securing your home against moisture for winter, you’re helping to keep mold at bay.
Contractors
If you're a waterproofing contractor (or want to add waterproofing to your business), take a look at our contractor center to get our products and learn more about becoming a registered Flexomeric Contractor!
