If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, it can cause a lot of problems in the spring including spring flooding. Often, our drainage system can’t handle that much extra water from the melting ice and snow.
But you don’t have to dread the spring and the inevitable flooding every year, if that’s what happens. You can take steps to make sure your basement stays dry and free from excessive amounts of water during the spring runoff.
How to Protect Your Kansas City Basement from Flooding this Spring
Flooding is only half of the problem. You can develop mold and mildew, flooring and furniture get ruined, it can cause electrical problems, and so much more.
Move Snow Away From House
Keep the snow moved well away from the house. When it melts, it will run down inside and flood the home. Move it to your yard, garden, or closer to the street. There are areas of your yard and garden that will be happy with the extra moisture.
Get an Inspection
Easily one of the best preventive measures you can take is to have your home inspected. Foundations need attention just like the rest of the house. If you have cracks, even small ones, water can get in and cause a lot more damage to the foundation and allow flooding.
Getting a few repairs done before the harsh weather arrives will help stop flooding as well and other problems, bigger cracks or crumbling foundation. Water in cracks can also refreeze and make the cracks worse.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
First, make sure the gutters and spouts are free of debris. Leaves and other things can get stuck in there and block them up.
Check the roof for anything that will end up in the gutters and it should be inspected for holes, tears, or damage. A leaking roof can cause a lot of problems and extra costs.
Make sure the spouts are moving the water away from the side of the house. This will keep the excess water away from soaking the foundation and getting into the basement.
Add extensions to the gutters and downspouts, if necessary. You want the water to move out away from the house. Aim it towards the trees, your yard, the garden or so that it will move downhill.
Install Sump Pumps
Even a small portable sump pump can take care of excess water in your basement. A sump pump works like a drain, catching the excess water and discharging it back out again.
If you already have a sump pump, make sure it is in great working order before the spring thaw. It’s a good idea to keep sandbags around and keep the drains in your basement clear.
Grade Your Yard
It is important to have a slope in your yard to keep excess rain and melting snow away from the foundation. This should be done in warmer months by a landscaper.
This will keep the water from pooling up around the foundation. Having a slope in your yard should keep the water moving away from the house completely.
Always keep an eye out for pooling water near the home. If you have flowerbeds or small hedges near the house, make sure there isn’t a lot of water sitting still near them.
Contact the Kansas City Foundation Experts
Olson Foundation Repair can help you with your foundation and answer any questions you may have about flooding or dampness in your basement. You should always have your foundation inspected to make sure it is in great shape and ready to handle the new season.