As a homeowner in New Jersey, you know how challenging the winters can be. The freeze and thaw cycles can, unfortunately, cause foundation damage and cracks, which is why it’s critical that you call a New Jersey drainage contractor as soon as possible.
The good news is that there are things that can be done to prevent foundation cracks and future damage. The goal is to manage the way the water is seeping into the ground when the snow melts, helping to protect your home by preventing major issues when the cold weather hits.
How New Jersey Winters Can Damage Your Home’s Foundation
Even though foundations are built to withstand changing weather conditions, there are certain aspects of snow and freezing temperatures that can cause damage to the foundation over time. For example, if rain or melting soil saturates the soil and then it gets cold enough to freeze, then it can cause expansion and shifting, which then puts pressure underground that can cause foundation damage and leaks.
Other plumbing issues can also develop if you aren’t proactive about protecting your home, such as cold air freezing pipes. When plumbing is exposed to these temperatures in places like crawl spaces and basements, then pipes freeze and break, which eventually leads to water damage when the ice starts to melt.
Rest assured knowing that a New Jersey drainage contractor can prevent water from gathering around the foundation, which will protect your foundation and ensure that your home stays strong in all seasons.
Assessing Your Foundation Before Winter Starts
Right now is the best time of year to assess your foundation so that you can get ahead of any issues before winter begins. We recommend early inspections to help with foundation cracks, water pooling, or any other issues that are discovered during the inspection.
Call our team, and we will ensure that your drainage system is ready for all weather conditions. There are many parts of the system that work together, including the grading, drainage, sump pump, gutters and downspouts, and more. Additionally, we can make sure that your exterior walls are sealed to protect against potential water damage.
Effective Ways to Protect Your Foundation During Winter
Each home is unique, which is why it makes sense to call a New Jersey drainage contractor for personalized recommendations. We’ll create a customized plan for your property, which might include the following.
Regrade the Soil to Prevent Water Pooling
We can adjust the soil slope to prevent water from pooling and building up around your home. The grading should direct the water away from the foundation and direct the flow to allow for proper drainage.
Install and Maintain Effective Drainage Systems
Various methods can be used to keep runoff moving away from your home, such as French drains and/or a working sump pump to prevent moisture problems. With the proper grading, it’s also possible that a seepage pit or catch basin might be helpful, depending on the water/drainage issues.
Seal Foundation Cracks Before Freezing Temps Hit
If there are any foundation cracks, they need to be sealed as soon as possible to prevent freezing expansion that can cause foundation damage during the cold weather season.
Insulate Your Basement or Crawl Space Walls
When there are pipes and other temperature-sensitive features in the crawl space, basement, or any other living spaces, make sure to install good insulation. You can also insulate pipes that are exposed.
Install Moisture and Vapor Management Systems
Adding a vapor barrier can be helpful to protect your home against mold and ongoing dampness. This system will manage humidity levels throughout the year.
Improve and Stabilize the Soil Around the Foundation
It’s essential to make sure that the soil around the foundation is stabilized to prevent erosion and shifting. Our excavation services are available if you are experiencing any of these issues.
Manage Snow and Ice to Minimize Water Saturation
When it snows, proactive and strategic shoveling can keep the water away from your foundation. For example, move the snow away from your home so that it doesn’t affect the foundation when the snow starts to melt.
Additional Protective Measures for Long-Term Stability
Other protective measures can also be helpful, depending on your unique needs. For example, regular inspections, testing the sump pump, and small repairs and maintenance can make a big difference to protect your home now and in the future. These seemingly small tasks really add up to ensure that your foundation stays strong for many years.
See How Mikula Contracting Can Assist in Protecting Your Home’s Foundation
If you are looking for a local New Jersey drainage contractor, then Mikula is here to help. Our team brings many years of experience with grading, excavation, drainage, and more. Whether you need to fix current issues or you are getting ready for a new build, we invite you to reach out for more information.
Now is the best time to take action to ensure your home is protected against foundation damage during the winter and water damage when the snow starts to melt in the spring. Reach out for a complimentary consultation to learn more about available services. We’re just a phone call away and ready to help with anything that you need.