It may not seem like it, but summer is a potentially dangerous season for those who live in homes with basements. About 98% of residential basements in the U.S. will experience water damage at some point, but summer certainly comes with its fair share of risks. More importantly, some of these risks stem from water sources that you may have not even known could cause a problem.
But think about it: summer is typically considered a ‘dry’ season, with higher temperatures and less humidity. As a result, we overcompensate to stay comfortable and keep our homes aesthetically appealing. Of course, sometimes, these efforts do more harm than good when it comes to protecting your basement and your home’s overall structural integrity. Fortunately, 93% of all water damage can be prevented, so let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of summertime basement water damage:
Air Conditioner Condensation
If you have a window air conditioning unit, make sure to keep an eye on where and how it drains. Air conditioning units often create excess moisture, leaking into your home and damaging floors and carpets. Fortunately, this risk is easily preventable: When installing a window air conditioning unit, aim the water drainage pipe outside the window and clean out drain lines every year to remove obstructions to water flow.
Sprinklers
The dry conditions of summer often cause homeowners to seek extra water sources for their front lawn, like a sprinkler. But be careful about potential water damage, and never aim a sprinkler directly towards your home. This could cause puddles to form and leak into your foundation, creating moisture damage in your basement.
Hot, Dry Weather
Finally, it’s not uncommon for severe heat and a lack of rain to dry out the soil around your home’s foundation. Because dry soil is looser, pipes have room to shift. Older pipes that have rusted can crack as they shift, causing water to leak. Consult a professional to assess your home’s risk.
About 37% of all homeowners claim losses due to water damage, but being proactive is the best step you can take to prevent these potentially damaging elements.
