Illinois Unstable Winter Weather Can Cause Basement Concerns

The winter we’ve had in Illinois this year has been one of inconsistency. We’ve seen rain, snow, below-freezing temperatures, and warm-ups that have made us think short and t-shirt weather is right around the corner. We’ve all heard the old adage – if you don’t like the weather here, wait five minutes – and this year that has certainly rung true thus far. Unfortunately, though, the unstable weather has caused basement concerns for many. Snowing and thawing, coupled with the occasional rain shower, is the perfect storm when it comes to basement water.

Our home’s foundations have been inundated with water all season long. That’s because the patterns we’ve seen have been sudden, wet snows, followed by unseasonably warm temperatures that cause a quick melting. If your basement is prone to dampness and flooding, without a doubt you’ve noticed already that you have some moisture concerns. It’s never too late to take some extra precautions to keep your basement dry. One thing you’ll want to do right away is to make sure your gutters are clean.

Clogged gutters can cause water from melted snow and rains to overflow and come down inches away from your home. And when so much water seeps into the ground close to your basement, some of it is sure to seep into your home. A second step you can take is to make sure drainpipes discharge water far enough away from your foundation (at least three feet). By taking these two precautions, you may discover your basement is drier.

What Can You Do if Your Gutters and Drainpipes Aren’t the Problems?

Unfortunately, sometimes there are issues in your basement that can’t be fixed by simply directing water away from your home. Sometimes, the moisture problem is due to cracked basement walls or floors, or sometimes there’s a moisture problem beneath the surface of your basement. That’s when you need help from experts like Reliable Basement Services. We work to provide our customers with efficient, economic solutions for their water problems. We offer an extensive list of services that can help your basement become moisture-free, including:

• Basement Waterproofing
• Foundation Repair
• Crack Repair
• Sump Pumps & Battery Backup Pumps
• Window Well Waterproofing
• Yard Drainage Systems
• Crawl Space Encapsulation

A damp basement becomes the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of mold, mildew, and bacteria – some of which can wreak havoc with your family’s health. Not to mention, a wet, moldy basement creates an unpleasant and unusable area in your home, so it’s best to get it taken care of before it takes a toll on your living environment. Don’t let this crazy winter get you or your basement down. Give Reliable Basement Services a call at (630) 621-9980. We’re fully staffed during normal working hours to answer your calls.