Even though winters in Utah can be beautiful, after a lot of snow, people often have a less appealing problem: water damage in their basements. When the snow melts, especially when the weather changes quickly in late winter or early spring, it can flood your home’s drainage systems and leak into places it shouldn’t be.
If you live in Utah and want to protect your home and avoid expensive fixes, you need to know how snowmelt affects water damage.
Why Snowmelt Poses a Risk to Your Basement
When the weather gets warmer, all that cold water around your house has to go somewhere. If you don’t have gutters, downspouts, or proper grading, the melting snow can pool around your base. Water can get into your basement through cracks or weak spots in the walls or floors over time.
In Utah, homes with older foundations, bad drainage systems, or not enough insulation are especially at risk. When there are a few warm days after a big winter, your basement is more likely to flood.
Common Signs of Snowmelt-Related Water Damage
- Basement that is wet or smells musty
- Walls or floors with water stains
- The growth of mold or mildew
- Lack of adhesion or warped flooring
- Water pooling near windows or foundation walls in the basement
It’s important to catch these signs early. If you don’t fix a small leak right away, it can quickly turn into structural damage or dangerous mold.
How to Prevent Water Damage During Snowmelt Season
Here are a few proactive steps to take before the thaw sets in:
- Get the snow off the base of your house: Leave three to five feet of space between snow piles and your outside walls.
- Check and clean the drains and gutters: Make sure that the melting snow can flow away from the house and drain properly.
- Look for leaks or cracks in your basement: Make sure that any weak spots are sealed off before the snow melts.
- You might want to put in a sump pump, especially in older homes or places where water tends to pool.
- Check out the slopes near your house: It’s better for your yard to slope away from your house that toward it.
What to Do If You Already Have Water in the Basement
It’s important to move quickly if you see water getting in. Mold growth and more damage to the structure can be stopped by drying out the area quickly and properly. A reliable local repair team can help figure out how bad the damage is and clean it up safely.
For more on how to handle basement water damage in Utah, visit: https://cdsoncall.com/services/water-damage-restoration/
Conclusion
Do something now, before your basement turns into a pool. It can save you time, stress, and money to be cautious during snowmelt season. It can also help you enjoy Utah’s beautiful winters without being surprised by a wet spring.
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