Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Homeowners Can Prevent Winter Weather Foundation Damage with Proper Underground Drainage

In a previous article about damage to roofs, gutters and downspouts caused by ice dams, we discussed how they form and how to prevent ice dams that can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your home and its foundation. However, what if homeowners 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 explore how winter weather in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky affects our home’s foundations. We will also discuss what can happen if our homes are not maintained or properly winterized, as well as how to prevent and mitigate damage to our homes, with a focus on our home’s foundation.

Cascading ice over gutter downspout and wiring to a home in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky.

How Does Winter Weather in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Damage a Foundation?

Winter temperatures in Northern Kentucky & Cincinnati can fluctuate rapidly. This variation often comes with various forms of precipitation that can lead to serious drainage issues. Issues such as malfunctioning roofs, clogged gutters, and the absence of storm drains and underground drainage can cause water to seep into every crack and crevice of your home. If not addressed, this can lead to significant headaches and costly repairs.

Cracks in the Foundation and Water Don’t Mix

As cold and dry winter air sweeps across your home, it causes porous materials like concrete, bricks, mortar, and cinder blocks to crack. When water gets into these cracks and temperatures drop, the water freezes. Ice expands by about 9%, which worsens the cracks over time. Each freeze-thaw cycle makes the damage even worse.

The Expansion and Contraction Cycle

The process of freezing and thawing can occur multiple times throughout the winter. The longer water remains in the cracks, the more severe the damage will be. Over time, the cost of repairs can rise exponentially.

Ice accumulation around the foundation of a home in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky.

Meltwater, Snowmelt, and Foundations

Meltwater refers to water that comes from melting ice or snow. Snowmelt is the runoff that occurs as snow or ice melts. While these are beneficial for your garden, they can be harmful to your foundation, basements, and crawl spaces. So what can we do to prevent water from pooling around your home and its foundation? If you said proper drainage, you’re right!

Key Considerations for Winterizing Your Home

1. Prevention of Ice Dams

The formation of ice dams can be prevented by focusing on three key components: insulation, ventilation, and drainage. Make sure that snow and ice can flow freely off your roof and into unclogged gutters as temperatures vary.

2. Ensure Proper Drainage

Regularly inspect your roofs, gutters, and downspouts. Damage and debris can accumulate, leading to clogs that cause water backups. Routine maintenance is essential for keeping water flowing within your drainage systems. Additionally, if your downspouts aren’t connected to underground drainage, ensure they extend at least 5 feet from the foundation.

3. Managing Snowmelt with Underground Drainage

Keeping snow and ice away from your foundation is crucial. As snow and ice melt, proper drainage systems can direct this runoff away from your home. If the ground is frozen, water will follow gravity, pooling around your foundation. Regularly check for cracks in your foundation and seal them immediately. If pooling continues, consider installing an underground drain.

Drainage issues lead to ice forming on the foundation of a home in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky.

Conclusion: The Importance of Prevention for Homeowners in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

Winter weather in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky poses serious risks to your home’s foundation. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial in preventing significant issues. Remember, porous materials such as concrete, bricks, and mortar can crack and allow water to infiltrate. This accumulation of water can lead to severe damage over time.

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.” Inspect for visible damage and make necessary repairs as soon as possible. Routine maintenance of your roof, gutters, and downspouts is essential to ensure that water drains away from your foundation. If you continue experiencing issues with water pooling around your foundation, it may be time to explore an underground drainage solution.

The structural integrity of your home is vital. If you have concerns about foundation issues similar to those discussed in this article, Anderson Gutter Company is here to help. We offer the right underground drainage solutions for your specific needs. Call us at 513-668-8666 or contact us for an assessment/inspection and get a free, no-obligation estimate.