You may think your winter blues will go away after the sun melts off all the snow, but many homeowners may find their problems get bigger when all the snow starts to melt.
1st Response Restoration is already bracing for an influx of emergency phone calls after the sun has started to melted some of the snow.
Water runoff can seep through all of those cracks nature caused last summer during the hot tempuratures. That water may find cracks in basement walls and leave many basements flooded. As the snow melts and the water finds these cracks in your foundation, the temperature may suddenly fall again causing the water in those cracks to freeze. This will cause the cracks in your foundation to grow even bigger. With the ground still frozen, the snow melts and water forms around the foundation. Fixing your foundation problem as soon as you see it can help prevent permanent damage to your home.
When moisture in the soil freezes after a snow melt then freeze, caused enormous pressure against your foundation walls. This causes existing cracks to become even larger. Foundation cracks caused by soil pressure are generally horizontal cracks or stair-step cracks. These cracks often get worse over time and require a professional to repair the foundation. These cracks will weaken the structural integrity of your home.
We suggest homeowners be proactive.
Here are some tips to keep melting snow and foundation problems at bay:
Make sure gutters are clear of debris so water can drain through a downspout
Make sure downspouts drain at least 10 feet away from the house
Make sure sump pump drains at least 10 feet away from the house
Hire 1st Response to install underground pipes to drain water away from the house
Call 1st Response to fill basement cracks
Move trees at least 15 feet away from the house
For more information, go to www.1stresponseidaho.com
(208) 684-0201