Basement Cleaning and Preparation for Cold Weather
As cooler weather arrives, moisture levels in your basement may rise and create the deal environment for mildew and mold. These organisms thrive in dark, warm, and damp areas, eventually spreading across basement walls and producing a musty odor.
If you want to avoid this, you need to clean and disinfect your basement. Let’s go over the necessary steps to clean your basement walls and prepare the space for cooler weather.
Autumn Basement Preparation Tips
Preparing your basement for autumn requires a few basic steps. Here’s what you can do:
Clean Basement Walls
Cleaning your basement’s walls might not be on your to-do list for autumn, but it’s necessary for a cleaner, healthier basement. Scrub the walls with a trusted cleaning solution, rinse them off with clean hot water, and thoroughly dry them with a towel.
Note: You’ll need a step stool to clean and disinfect the hard-to-reach areas of the wall. Also, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from scalding water.
Clear Your Gutters
Gutters play a huge role in the health of your basement. Falling leaves can clog up the gutters and cause water to overflow and drain right next to your basement.
This is a problem because as the water builds up, it drains below the ground and creates hydrostatic pressure. This puts stress on your basement walls and causes them to crack or bow (making it easy for moisture to get inside). Make sure you clear out any debris in your gutters to avoid this.
Reposition Downspouts
As the temperatures start cooling, you can expect precipitation to increase. You’ll want to make sure the downspouts point away from your home. Repositioning the downspouts helps channel rainwater away from the foundation walls. If you’re worried about downspouts shifting in winter, ask your local contractor to install underground downspouts. They are less likely to shift.
Re-caulk Basement Windows
While the basement windows bring natural light to the basement, they also can be potential conduits for moisture. Check the windows and reseal any that are leaking with caulk before the weather gets damp.
Waterproof the Basement
The most effective way to prepare your basement for autumn is to waterproof it. An interior drainage system collects water, the sump pump ejects it, and the dehumidifier dries out the humid air.
A vapor barrier on the walls will also help curtail moisture issues and vapor intrusion. These solutions work together to prevent moisture buildup, which can foster mold growth and create secondary problems.
Winter Preparation Tips
Snow can take a huge toll on your basement and home without proper preparation. Before winter arrives, do the following to lower the risk:
- Insulate your exposed water pipes with electric heating tape as they’re vulnerable to freezing cold.
- Check and clean heating vents and replace dirty air filters with clean ones to facilitate clean airflow.
- Cover the patio furniture if they’re too heavy to move indoors.
- Seal your wooden deck to protect from the winter weather.
- Check your fireplace for debris or birds’ nests.
- Ensure the roof has no broken shingles, moss/lichen, or worn rubber boots.
Contact Groundworks for a free basement inspection and waterproofing quote before autumn arrives. We’ll help you protect this low-lying area so it can withstand damp and cold weather conditions.
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