Our homes experience changes throughout the year. They might be subjected to any number of weather patterns, from storms and rain to ice and snow. Of course, heat and soil changes can also impact the structure. Whatever the change, your basement will be affected by extreme weather conditions more than any other part of the home.
When you schedule annual maintenance, you’re taking steps to prepare your basement for any type of weather. You’re also protecting your home as a whole. This is your space, and it’s meant to be safe. Homes are a major investment, which is why taking care of it is essential to ensure your home lasts for many years to come.
In this guide, we will talk about the importance of scheduling maintenance, common problems that can result from extreme weather, what annual maintenance includes, and tips for finding a service to maintain your basement and systems. Check it out below!
Common Problems in Basements During Extreme Weather
The basement is in a vulnerable position in your home since it is underground. This means that moisture in the surrounding soil and hydrostatic pressure from changes in soil moisture levels can have a major impact. Basements are susceptible to excess moisture and flooding, and it’s up to you to take steps to help prevent those problems.
Scheduling annual maintenance is just one piece of that puzzle. Maintenance helps to ensure that any waterproofing systems in place are working properly and determines whether any changes or improvements need to be made.
Extreme weather can lead to many of the following issues with your basement:
- Water infiltrating through cracks, leaks, or the foundation walls.
- High humidity or moisture levels causing mold and mildew to grow.
- Structural damage or instability caused by shifting soil or hydrostatic pressure.
Any of these issues can harm your structure. These problems often result in things like reduced home values, extensive property or structural damage, and even health risks.
Benefits of Annual Maintenance
Annual maintenance should be performed on all of your home systems, and it’s no different with your basement and waterproofing solutions. Maintenance means being proactive so that you can avoid much bigger issues later. And it’s well worth the minor cost to avoid significant problems that lead to major expenses later.
The major benefit of scheduling annual maintenance is simply protecting your home. When it comes down to it, this one preventative measure will have a huge impact. It’s far better to be proactive than reactive in scenarios like these.
The top benefits of annual maintenance are:
- Early detection and prevention of issues before they become serious problems.
- Minimize mold, mildew, and other common issues.
- Have peace of mind knowing your basement is prepared for extreme weather that can occur at any time.
Components of Annual Maintenance
What does annual maintenance look like? The specifics will depend on the systems you have in place. Annual maintenance is a complete overview of your systems to check for any repair or replacement needs. During annual maintenance, cleaning and repairs should also occur as needed.
When you hire a company to perform maintenance, they will assess everything and then work through maintaining and cleaning your systems. It might look a little something like this:
- Visual inspection of interior and exterior foundation walls for any signs of shifting or damage.
- Cleaning and maintenance of sump pumps, drains, and other systems to ensure proper functionality.
- Humidity and moisture testing to identify potential areas of concern, if any.
- Repair or replacement of damaged or worn components, such as seals or pipes.
These small steps and preventative actions help to make sure your systems will work the way they should when you need them most!
Tips for Choosing a Professional Basement Maintenance Service
When it comes to annual maintenance, there are some things you can do on your own. However, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional for cleaning, maintenance, and inspection. The professionals have a trained eye and will know what to look for and which steps to take. When you’re looking for a professional for maintenance service, be sure to choose wisely. If you aren’t familiar with a company, you can ask them for references or even check out their customer reviews. Reviews often say a lot about a business. Always double-check that the service is licensed and insured. This protects you in the event that something goes wrong, but also reinforces that they are a legitimate business.
Get estimates and quotes for any necessary work, and ensure the company communicates the full scope of work they suggest and any follow-up details with you. Finally, find out if they can guarantee their work or provide any type of warranties.
These little steps can help you find a reputable and reliable company for your service needs.
Let Drycrete Help with Your Annual Maintenance Needs
Scheduling annual maintenance is a safeguard to protect your home and be prepared for any type of weather that arises. Be proactive rather than reactive, and it will likely save you money in the long run. Drycrete Waterproofing has been serving the waterproofing industry for more than 30 years, and we’re happy to help with your maintenance needs. Contact us today to get a free quote or get your annual maintenance scheduled. We’re here to help!