As winter approaches, homeowners across the country prepare their houses for freezing temperatures and heavy rain. While the roof and windows often get attention, one critical area often gets overlooked: the basement.
Cold weather and shifting groundwater levels can quickly make for a wet basement, leading to higher humidity levels, moisture problems, and even structural damage to your home’s foundation.
The good news? With the right preparation and a professional basement waterproofing solution, you can keep your lower level dry and comfortable all season long.
In This Article
Why Basements Get Damp in Winter
Basements are naturally prone to moisture because they’re built below grade and surrounded by soil, foundation walls, and concrete floors that can absorb and transfer water. In winter, the combination of melting snow, heavy rain, and indoor moist air often creates condensation on basement walls and cold water pipes, raising humidity levels.
When basement windows are closed for the season, air circulation slows down, trapping dampness inside. Over time, that can lead to water seeping through cracks in concrete walls or foundation walls, creating wet spots, damp floors, or even standing water near the sump pit.
Other common causes of winter basement moisture problems include:
- Hydrostatic pressure: When saturated soil pushes groundwater against the foundation, forcing water infiltration through cracks.
- Poor drainage systems: Clogged gutters or downspouts that allow runoff to pool near the foundation.
- Leaky basement windows or window wells that collect rainwater or melting snow.
- Uninsulated walls and foam insulation gaps that trap condensation.
- Freeze/thaw cycles that cause expansion of freezing water, ultimately leading to cracks in the foundation.
How to Prevent Basement Moisture Before Winter
- Inspect and Seal Cracks Early
Small cracks in foundation walls or basement floors can allow excess water to enter during freeze-thaw cycles. Before temperatures drop, get your walls, floors, and window wells inspected by a professional. Even minor cracks can be a problem that DIY solutions won’t fix in the long term, so contact a professional for interior waterproofing or basement waterproofing for a free inspection and peace of mind.
An expert inspector could have a look at your basement and foundation as soon as tomorrow. - Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters and downspouts are your home’s first drainage system. When they’re clogged with leaves or debris, rainwater and melting snow can overflow, causing a runoff problem that leads to water seeping into your foundation wall. Make sure your gutters are clean and your downspouts extend at least six feet from your home to prevent water from pooling near your basement. - Check Your Drainage Systems
If your yard has poor grading or exterior drainage systems that aren’t working properly, rainwater can collect near your foundation. Inside, interior drainage systems and sump pumps work together to move basement water safely away from your home.
Erie Home’s interior drainage system solutions include sump pits, sump pumps, and French drains/drainage channels backed by an industry-leading warranty to handle the toughest basement water problems efficiently, even during the worst weather. - Improve Ventilation and Control Humidity
Keeping air moving is key to managing basement humidity. Using exhaust fans or a dehumidifier to maintain balanced moisture levels can only sometimes work, and have multiple drawbacks: they don’t address the root problem, they require frequent visits to empty, and they don’t remove other harmful particulates like dust and mold. A dehumidifier or a fan is like giving a whale a breath mint; it’s a short-term solution at best. - Insulate Pipes and Walls
Condensation often forms on cold water pipes and foundation walls when warm indoor air meets cold surfaces. Wrap exposed pipes with foam sleeves and add proper encapsulation to basement walls to prevent dampness, condensation buildup, and water intrusion.
DIY Tips to Manage Basement Humidity
You can take small steps throughout the winter to prevent further damage and control basement moisture between professional inspections:
- Keep storage items off basement floors using shelving or pallets.
- Wipe up wet spots promptly to prevent mold growth.
- Use a humidity monitor to track moisture levels regularly.
- Avoid drying clothes in the basement without proper ventilation.
- Check your sump pump periodically to ensure it’s working correctly.
When to Call a Professional
If you see the formation of a powdery deposit on the walls and floor, condensation on your walls or ceiling, or notice a musty smell, it’s time for a professional inspection. Good news: it’s free! Erie Home’s expert installation team specializes in interior waterproofing and drainage systems that protect your foundation and help prevent flooding or further damage.
With over 45 years of experience and a 100% Lifetime Guarantee, Erie Home offers:
- Proven best-in-class basement waterproofing systems
- Professional installation with local expertise (no third-party contractors; the whole team is expertly trained and employed by Erie Home)
- Installation in as little as two days, including expert clean-up and removal of all debris
- Durable, long-term solutions to protect your home’s foundation for decades
- A Lifetime Warranty on parts and labor
Schedule your free basement inspection today.
Keep Your Basement Dry, Warm, and Protected
This winter, give your basement the same attention you give the rest of your home. Prevent water infiltration, manage humidity levels, and address small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Whether it’s upgrading your sump pump, improving your interior drainage system, or improving air cleanliness, Erie Home is here to help you keep your home dry, comfortable, and ready for whatever this season—and many more to come—throws your way.