• Melting snow and increased rainfall can cause water damage to your home in spring.
• Foundation cracks and poor grading outside should be addressed immediately.
• Clogged gutters, plumbing issues, and roof damage can also cause moisture issues.
  

Despite the pleasant temperatures, spring comes with a series of potential hazards to the home. Harsh winter conditions can cause cracks in the foundation, pull gutters away from the home, and strip shingles off the roof. Improperly insulated homes are vulnerable to the freezing temperatures, leading to unexpected damages within the house.

Identifying these hazards can help prevent water damage in spring. These are the common reasons your home is susceptible to water damage in spring, and how to stop it.

Cracks in the Foundation

One of the leading causes of springtime water damage is water entering the home through cracks in the foundation.

“The thaw/freeze patterns that take place during winter and sometimes into early spring can have the soil around the home expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks in the foundation that can cause basement leaks,” says Matt Wojciechowski, District Service Manager of the MidAtlantic for Groundworks.

Existing cracks in the foundation may become more pronounced in the spring as the temperatures cause the foundation to expand and contract.

To help prevent this issue, homeowners should regularly inspect the foundation for cracks and signs of water intrusion. If you spot any problems, call a professional to fix it.

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Frozen Pipes Bursting

Improperly insulated homes are vulnerable to the freezing temperatures of winter, which can cause significant damage to the interior of the home if not addressed.

“Frozen and burst pipes from winter weather can cause water damage once they thaw out and start leaking as the temperature rises,” says Matt Kunz, President of Mr. Rooter.

If the water pipes running throughout the home freeze, the ice expands inside the pipes, putting pressure on the plumbing. When this occurs, the excess stress can cause the pipes to burst, releasing a torrent of water into the home.

This is especially common in cellars, crawlspaces, and uninsulated basements. However, the fix for this issue is simple: invest in insulation for the home and the water lines.

Poor Grading Around the Foundation

The grading around the foundation of the home can have an impact on whether the house will experience water damage or not.

“Observe the grading of the yard and where the downspouts discharge,” says James Hartkorn, Sales Manager at Thrasher Foundation Repair. “If you notice erosion near the concrete or the foundation, that’s a sign you’d be at risk.”

If the ground tends to slope toward your home, then the heavy spring rains will drain toward the foundation, increasing the hydrostatic pressure and potentially leading to leaks. This problem can be mitigated by ensuring that the yard slopes away from the foundation.

Generally, DIYers can handle minor regrading projects, but if there is a significant slope, then it’s best to hire a professional landscaper or foundation expert to regrade the yard.

Excess Melting Snow and Ice

Excess water caused by melting snow and ice is a common issue in spring, and can cause backfilled soil around the foundation of the home to become oversaturated.

“When the backfill becomes oversaturated, water will stack up around the foundation putting a lot of hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls,” Hartkorn says. “That pressure can lead to cracks in the foundation wall itself or water intrusion into the basement of the home.”

A basic way to reduce this risk is to keep the ground around the home clear of ice and snow, but if the yard slopes toward the foundation, then you will also need to take steps to regrade the yard to prevent the excess water from building up around the foundation.

Leaking Pipes

The fluctuating temperatures in spring can cause the pipes in the home to expand and contract, especially if the house is not properly insulated. While the damage won’t be as bad as a pipe bursting and flooding the home, unseen leaks can still cause extensive damage to the property.

To prevent leaking pipes from damaging the home, it’s recommended to conduct regular inspection of the plumbing.

“Check for leaks in pipes and around fixtures and address any issues,” Kunz says. “Ensure sump pumps are working correctly and that they have backup power.”

Clogged Gutter System

Winter debris can clog gutter systems, causing excess water to spill over the edges of the gutter and seeping into the ground around the foundation.

“The edge of the roof on most homes has a soffit, fascia, and gutters,” Hartkorn says. “These areas of the home are susceptible to water damage if the gutters and downspouts are not working correctly.” notes James Hartkorn, Sales Manager at Thrasher Foundation Repair.

Hartkorn says having downspouts next to your home’s foundation or near concrete can also cause water damage.

Keep the gutter systems clean and clear of debris, while keeping the gutters, roof, and fascia in good condition.

Damaged Roof Seals

The harsh winter weather can strip shingles off the roof, damage the fascia, and make holes in the roof seals, leaving the house exposed to rain and meltwater.

“As the rain hits the roof, if the shingles came loose due to high winds over the fall or winter, then you may experience a roof leak,” Hartkorn says. “Roof leaks cause water to enter the home and damage insulation and drywall that can lead to costly repairs.”

Inspect and make repairs to the roof during the early months of spring. If you are unsure about climbing up to the roof yourself or you lack the knowledge to repair a roof, then reach out to roofing professionals.