Frozen pipes are one of those household issues that many of us underestimate until it’s too late. As winter approaches, water in your home’s piping system is at risk of freezing, causing significant inconvenience and, potentially, catastrophic damage. This article will guide you on how to prevent frozen pipes and save your home from the aftermath.
Tag: Foundation Damage
Basement Wall Crack Repair
By: | Published May 26, 2023
When it comes to basement wall crack repair, there are many techniques to try, but which one should you try? And how do you know when to call an expert?
Winter Basement Waterproofing: Avoid Winter Moisture Risks for Your Home
By: | Published February 15, 2023
When winter comes around, it can bring a slew of problems for homeowners, one of which is the risk of basement moisture caused by the cold temperatures. Waterproofing your basement is essential for making sure that your home is protected from the damaging effects of moisture and winter basement waterproofing is a preventative measure that can make a big difference!
Common Causes and Solutions for Cracks in the Foundation of Your Home
By: | Published November 30, 2020
No one wants to discover cracks in their foundation; however ignoring them if you find them is not the answer. So what causes cracks in foundations and what can you do about them? Let’s look at the top five causes of cracks in foundations and three ways to address and fix them.
Flooded Basement Cleanup Costs: The Risk of Not Waterproofing Your Foundation
By: | Published January 24, 2020
Whether it is heavy rains, spring thawing after deep winter snow, or even a plumbing fiasco, too much water can put you in the position of incurring flooded basement cleanup costs. Knowing that it is likely you will have to deal with excess water in your basement at some point is a good reason to invest in waterproofing your foundation.
Know the Warning Signs of a Sinking Foundation in Your Home!
By: | Published September 27, 2019
It’s not good when a boat is sinking. When you have that foreboding or sinking feeling, something’s not good. It’s also not good when the foundation of your home is sinking!
What Causes Cracks in Basement Floor Concrete? Are They a Serious Risk?
By: | Published October 19, 2017
While every home is unique, they often experience problems that are actually very common. One of the common problems is cracks. These cracks can appear anywhere, from little cracks in walls or tiling to major cracks in basement floors. As a homeowner, you need to know what the cause is and, more importantly, how critical of a problem is it? If you’ve discovered a crack in your basement floor, learn the possible causes and how to handle them below.
Causes of Basement Concrete Cracks
Shrinkage
The two primary parts of concrete are cement and water. After it’s poured, it cures to become solid. As the concrete dries, it will shrink. The degree of shrinkage is largely affected by temperature. If temperatures drop while your basement cures, that can cause cracks. Likewise, sweltering heat will rapidly dry your concrete – and curing too quickly also causes cracks. Even in perfect conditions, over time, your basement concrete will experience some degree of shrinkage.
While there are some ways to help mitigate shrinkage, such as controlled cracks in specific areas, it’s impossible to prevent them. There are certain areas that are more likely to develop these cracks than others, such as around doors or other sharp corners.
On the bright side, cracks in your basement floor due to shrinkage rarely result in any structural problems. However, they still open the doors for other problems like water or pests. That means they should be repaired and sealed whenever you identify them. While you should consider every crack a potential risk, most cracks under one-eighth of an inch wide aren’t a cause to be concerned.
Settlement
Another common cause of cracks in basement floors is when the concrete slab begins to settle. Typically, settlement occurs when the
soil beneath your foundation is too unstable to support the weight of your home
How Freezing Pipes Can Damage Your Foundation
By: | Published January 27, 2016
Remember last year’s polar vortex? Thanks to El Nino, this season’s mild winter has made the arctic blasts we’ve endured the past few years a distant, frigid memory. But that doesn’t mean you should become complacent about the possibility of foundation damage from frozen pipes. Even when your pipes are completely frozen, you should still be concerned. A freeze-thaw cycle – like the ones we’ve been experiencing all season – can take its toll on your home and can lead to expensive plumbing and foundation repairs.
Your home’s foundation is one of the most important features and should ideally last a lifetime. In most cases, foundations are built to withstand normal freezing temperatures with only a bit of flaking or cracking to show for it. But when freezing temperatures cause your pipes to leak, over even worse, burst, that’s a game changer – one which can cause permanent damage to your foundation and possibly endanger the structural integrity of your house.
Of course, not all your plumbing is at risk from freezing (unless the house loses significant heat). The pipes which are most likely to cause foundation damage are the ones exposed to the elements, including those:
- Directly exposed to outside temperatures, such as external sinks and washrooms.
- Indirectly exposed to outside temperatures, like those in unprotected crawlspaces under your home.
- Attached to exterior faucets that are not properly turned off during the wintertime.
Prevent Foundation Damage from Frozen Pipes
An ounce of prevention can save you a fortune in foundation repairs.
Fortunately, there are some easy and inexpensive steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing. Most of these can be done any time of year, but if you include these steps when winterizing your home, you’ll save the discomfort and panic of trying to do them when the temperatures dips below the comfort zone.
- Shut off all exposed water pipes during the wintertime when you’re not using them. Shut them off tightly, and look for any leakage in the fittings around the faucet handle. Use a wrench to make sure the fittings are snug.
- Seal any leaks around pipes that enter your home to prevent cold air from seeping in. You can find plenty of information about techniques and products from reputable sources online.
- Insulate pipes in crawl space, attics, and outer walls. You can find these products online or at your local home improvement store.
- Make sure your home’s core temperature doesn’t fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit – even when you’re not around. You can also purchase a home monitoring system that sends you an alert when the temperature drops.
Call Team EverDry
You can’t control every situation, but you can call Team EverDry!
Despite your best efforts, sometimes disaster strikes. If you’ve experienced basement flooding and need your foundation fixed, Team EverDry is just a call away. Schedule a free 20-point inspection or give us a call (419) 841-6055 to make this a leak-free, worry-free winter.
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