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Waterproofing Preventative Measures after heavy snow falls. . .

Posted on: 02-25-2010 Posted in: Chester County, News, Useful stuff

This article is courtesy of Brandywine/Springfield Waterproofing, a local Chester County waterproofing company.
WATERPROOFING PREVENTIVE MEASURES AFTER HEAVY SNOW FALLS - are most effective prior to any immediate following heavy rains. Most are well in the scope of “Do it yourself” and you can save big bucks and a lot of headaches by doing the following:

Sump Pump Discharge Line – clear the exit area and check for no snow/ice blockage (especially if discharging into downspouts which also may be frozen).
Pump Electrical outlet – check if fuse may have blown due to pump overheating because the discharge was blocked. Simply plug in portable lamp to test.
Outside Basement Door Drains – remove snow/ice blockage which allows water entry under door and causes rotting. If drain is still blocked – call an outside Waterproofing specialist.
Base of house – clear and Trench drainage for roof melting/heavy rain run off. Use caution when working under hanging ice. Large hanging ice may indicate attic ventilation concerns.
Window Wells – clear out any snow build up as House heat can cause a fishbowl effect which collects water causing window leaks. Plastic covers can help prevent this.
Sill Plate leakage – clear away high snow which allows water to spill over the Sill Plate. The 3 inch termite barrier (visible wall) should be visible under the siding.
Brick Veneer Walls – clear high snow blocking the low drainage ports which allows water to drop down on the inside sill plate when heavy winds blow the water into the higher ports.
Internal Sump Pump – if existing, check to see if operational by manually lifting float device. Sump Pumps help relieve upward hydrostatic water pressure from flooding the floor.
Battery Backup systems – should be considered depending on content risk and especially if a finished basement in an area having power outages. A good system will also increase your existing pump’s normal capacity.
Consult your Realtor – for any professional help. They know reliable, state registered, Home Improvement Contractors and it always pays to stay in touch with them.