Waterproofing a Home’s Foundation During Winter?

If you’ve come to the conclusion that waterproofing your basement is the right choice for your home, you will be pleased to hear that this process can be undertaken at almost any time. Of course, it is easier to get the right weather conditions (and more comfortable for the technician) to waterproof property foundations in late spring or early summer, but if it’s largely dry there’s no reason why you can’t waterproof in winter. 

Better yet, there are plenty of experienced contractors in and around Kansas City, MO, who will have the time to help you do this at a reasonable cost in winter when there is less demand for contractors. 

Waterproofing in Winter – What You Need to Know 

The myth that waterproofing is a seasonal undertaking has been around for a long time, but it is just that—a myth. However, it can be more difficult to find days when the weather conditions are favorable; Missouri winters can be notoriously miserable. Certainly, an excessively wet winter will make waterproofing work less viable, but if the weather is cold and dry you should feel free to go ahead. 

There are some benefits to choosing to undertake this work in winter, after all. First and foremost, there’s usually a lower demand, so you should be able to find a great contractor to help with this project. Secondly, if you get the right conditions, waterproofing in winter will make the spring thaw less of a concern for your property. This means you won’t have to deal with your basement springing a leak as a result of runoff and snowmelt. There are, however, some things you need to consider beforehand. 

Red Flags and Warning Signs 

Even if the weather plays ball, existing damage in your basement could prevent you from waterproofing your foundation this winter, or at least complicate the process. If your basement is currently suffering from dampness and humidity, for example, or your foundation is damaged, it is likely you will have to address this issue before you move on to waterproofing in earnest. 

The most common warning signs of deeper issues and damage in your basement or foundation include: 

• Water in the basement coving 
• Standing water 
• Bowing or leaning walls 
• Spreading or widening cracks in your walls or floor 
• A lingering bad odor 

If you see any of these signs, then you should book an inspection appointment with a local foundation specialist to assess the damage and find solutions. Foundation Recovery Systems offers free no-obligation inspections to homeowners who are concerned about the structural health of their property. 

The Best Waterproofing Methods for Winter 

Exterior methods of waterproofing aren’t necessarily the best choice in winter, especially in places like Missouri, but there are many different options to choose from. From interior drainage to durable vapor barriers, a professional will be able to walk you through all of your choices for waterproofing measures. 

If you have an unstable or damaged foundation, they will likely suggest you repair any structural issues before you go ahead with additional work. If you have recurring issues with flooding and dampness, they will also suggest improved drainage options to keep you safe and dry. 

In the end, every property is different and it’s important that you get a waterproofing plan that works for the needs and limitations of your property. This is why it’s important to choose a local contractor who knows the industry and cares about your property.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.