How and Why the Spring Thaw Can Lead to Basement Leaks

April 20, 2018

As any homeowner will confirm, it’s not unusual that the spring thaw can lead to basement leaks. After a frozen winter, the ground soil starts to thaw as the temperature rises. As a result, soggy soil has a tendency to shift – and this may have a direct impact on the foundation areas of your home. That’s why it’s important to inspect your basement for foundation cracks that may have developed over the winter. At the same time, it’s important to check for signs of water intrusion.

There are reasons why the spring thaw can lead to basement leaks

It’s amazing how much water an inch of melting snow can produce. So even a minor snowmelt during a spring thaw can result in gallons and gallons of water seeping into the ground. Combine that melting snow with a spring rainfall, and the volume of water in the ground is even greater.

We don’t see it, but the combination of melting snow and rainwater creates a substantial amount of water pressure against a home’s foundation. It’s no wonder that the spring thaw can lead to basement leaks (especially if your foundation is somehow vulnerable to water penetration).

Water, wherever it’s coming from, will always find it’s way down into the soil and will eventually settle around your home’s foundation. As for leakage, there could be many reasons – there may be a crack in the concrete, there may be plumbing openings, or there may be even be tree roots.

Once there’s evidence of water intrusion, it’s crucial to identify the source and assess the extent of the problem. Here, a professional assessment is best – particularly if there are a number of water penetration points. And finally, there’s no substitute for professional repairs, done right.

While spring thaw can lead to basement leaks, there are solutions

With basement water leaks, there is absolutely no sense in doing “patchwork” – this is short-term thinking that delivers short-term results. It is important to have your basement assessed by a professional in leaky basements. Once those leaks have been fixed or sealed, it’s time to move on to ensuring your basement stays dry. Spray polyurethane foam can help to keep your basement from becoming wet and damp for years to come.

The fact is, spray foam actually does a lot more than just help keep your basement dry. It’s a single application that creates a vapour barrier, air barrier, and insulation barrier at one time. A professional install will create a sealed envelope, while providing very high R-Value – higher R-values mean higher insulative qualities. Spray foam insulation helps to make sure the air quality in your basement remains at its best, plus it transforms your basement into a comfortable living space if you are planning to finish it.

Spray polyurethane foam insulation requires experience and expertise – this is not a DIY project by any means. Professionally applied, the spray foam application will help to prevent water (and moisture) from entering through foundation walls. Even hard-to-access areas can be very effectively sealed up.

Best of all, spray foam insulation will last a lifetime. The finished space needs no maintenance and never needs replenishment or replacement. It’s a premium product, but with long-term benefits that make the investment worthy. The energy savings alone provide a reasonable pay back period.

With basement water leakage, it’s best to do it right the first time

Always consult with a company specialized in fixing leaky basements. At Great Northern Insulation, experienced building envelope experts will help you put the finishing touches on your renewed basement after the leaks have been sealed. GNI installs only quality products, and guarantees every installation. Find out more by visiting the company website at https://www.gni.ca or by calling 1.800.265.1914. And find out about the rebates and incentives available for repairs/retrofits.