How to Prepare Your Basement for Fall and Winter

If you’re like many Michiganders, you’re already starting to feel the colder weather making its way across the state – but is there something you should do to your basement before the real cold weather hits?

Here’s what you need to know.

How to Prepare Your Basement for Fall and Winter

In colder climates like Michigan, getting your basement ready for fall and winter is essential. You’ll want to run through this checklist to make sure everything’s good to go:

  • Ensure that basement windows close securely and that they’re not letting air in or out.
  • Add weather stripping and caulk frame holes if necessary.
  • Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure snowmelt won’t seep into your home’s foundation.
  • Locate and seal any holes in the foundation – especially those around pipes, electrical connectors and cables.
  • Check to make sure the mudsill is sealed.
  • Insulate the first three feet of pipe that leads to your hot water heater, and consider adding a water heater jacket.
  • Change the air filter in your HVAC system.

What Happens if You Don’t “Winterize” Your Basement?

One of the biggest threats to any Michigan basement during the winter is moisture. When the area is damp, you risk cracks in your walls or foundation. Just like the roads, wet spots expand when they freeze – and that can mean disaster in your basement.

Another consideration: mold. While mold may not thrive in cooler conditions, it can thrive once things start heating up again. If your basement is damp all winter, you’ll need to dry it out completely before the spring thaw.

Do You Need a Disaster Remediation Expert in Washtenaw County or Jackson County?

If your home has already been damaged, we can help. Check out our services and call 734-352-9183 for your free disaster remediation quote today. We offer: