In a previous article about damage to roofs, gutters and downspouts caused by ice dams, we discussed how they form and ways in which we can prevent the formation of ice dams that can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your home and its foundation. However, what if homeowner’s in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky fail to prevent ice dams from forming? Can an underground drainage solution help protect a home’s foundation from further damage?
The answer is an emphatic YES! In this article, we’ll delve into how our Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky winter weather affects our home’s foundations, what can happen if our homes are not maintained well or winterized properly, and what we can do to prevent and mitigate damage to our homes and more specifically, our home’s foundation.
How Does Winter Weather in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Damage a Foundation?
Winter temperature and weather in Northern Kentucky & Cincinnati can greatly vary from warm to freezing in a short period of time, packing a multitude of accompanying precipitation along the way that creates conditions ripe for serious drainage issues. From malfunctioning roofs, gutters and downspouts to a lack of storm drains and underground drainage, water will work its way into every crack and crevice of your home that is not properly sealed and do damage. If not addressed, it will eventually lead to massive headaches and a lighter wallet.
Cracks in the Foundation and Water Don’t Mix
Over time, as the cold and dry winter air blows across your home, it will cause porous materials like concrete, bricks, mortar and cinder blocks to crack. Add water and varying temperatures and we have the perfect conditions for damage to occur. The longer issues persist, the worse the damage will be over time.
When water freezes and turns to ice, it expands in size by about 9%. Each time water finds its way into the cracks of your foundation, when temperatures plummet to freezing and it turns to ice and expands, the cracks will widen and deepen. Rinse and repeat - this process and the cost to repair the damage increases exponentially.
Meltwater, Snowmelt and Foundations
Meltwater is water derived from the melting of ice/snow and snowmelt is the runoff that occurs as ice/snow melts. While both of these things are great for cisterns, it’s not so great for foundations, basements and crawl spaces. So what can we do to prevent water from pooling around your home and along your foundation? If you said proper drainage, then you’re on par!
These 3 things must be addressed when winterizing homes and protecting foundations:
Prevention of Ice Dams from Forming on Roofs and Gutters The three key components in preventing the formation of ice dams are insulation, ventilation and drainage. It’s important to ensure that as temperatures vary, snow and ice can freely flow from the roof and into unclogged gutters and downspouts as it melts.
Ensure Proper Meltwater Drainage from Roofs, Gutters and Downspouts
It’s wise to periodically inspect roofs, gutters and downspouts throughout the year for any damage and proper function. With winter storms, comes damage and debris which can lead to water backups, leaks and overflow. Keeping water flowing within the confines of your gutter and drainage systems is imperative and routine maintenance goes a long way. Additionally, if downspouts aren’t connected to underground drainage like a storm drain or a water catchment system like a cistern, downspouts need to extend at least 5 feet from the foundation and in a direction where snowmelt won’t be an issue.
Keep Snowmelt Away from Foundations with Underground Drainage It’s not only important to keep snow and ice well away from your foundation, but as snow and ice melts around your home, it’s also important to ensure that water has somewhere to go other than pooling up around your foundation. Keep in mind that while snow and ice melts, if the ground is still frozen or even partially frozen, water has nowhere to go but in the direction that gravity dictates. While inspecting roof, gutters and drainage, be sure to note any cracks in your foundation and seal them immediately. If all is well with your roof, gutter and downspouts and water is still pooling along your foundation, then you should consider trenching an underground drain. There are a number of different underground drainage solutions that can work well.
Conclusion for Preventing Winter Weather Damage to Foundations for Homeowners in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky - Underground Drainage is a Key Component
Winter temperatures and weather in the Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky area brings with it the perfect storm of conditions that can cause massive damage to your foundation and home. As a general rule of thumb, regular inspections and maintenance is the key to preventing issues before they start. Remember, over time, as the cold and dry winter air blows across your home, it will cause porous materials like concrete, bricks, mortar and cinder blocks to crack. Water will find itself a home within those cracks and burrow deep. Damage will ensue with the continuous expansion and contraction of water to ice and ice to water.
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.” Inspect for visible damage and make repairs ASAP before more problems occur. Routine maintenance of your roof, gutters and downspouts is essential in ensuring that water drains away from your foundation and if you’re still experiencing water pooling around your foundation, you really need to consider an underground drainage solution for optimal drainage and peace of mind.
The importance of the structural integrity of your home goes without saying. If you’re a homeowner in the Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky area and you have concerns about or are experiencing foundation issues similar to what was discussed in this article, Anderson Gutter Company is happy to be of service with the right underground drainage solution for you. Call us 513-668-8666 or contact us for an assessment/inspection and get a free, no obligation, estimate.
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