THE SUMMER HEAT AND THE HEAVY RAIN THAT FOLLOWS

THE AFFECTS OF HEAVY RAIN AFTER A HEAT WAVE

While the PNW is well known as a wet geographical location, it still offers up heat waves in the summertime. During a hot and dry Summer, the ground around your home undergoes notable changes. The prolonged heat can cause the soil to dry out and shrink, creating gaps or pathways that weren’t there before in the soil, making it easier for water to seep into below-grade spaces when the rain returns.

When the rain returns, the heavy downpours can overwhelm drainage systems and saturate the soil rapidly. This sudden influx of water can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities around your home. For below-grade spaces, the primary concerns are:

1. Increased Water Table: Heavy rain can raise the local water table, leading to hydrostatic pressure against your homes foundation. This pressure can force water through cracks and joints, and up through the floor.

2. Runoff and Drainage Issues: If the grading around your home is insufficient or if gutters and downspouts are clogged, rainwater can accumulate around the foundation, leading to potential leaks or flooding in below-grade areas.

3. Soil Saturation and Foundation Shifts: Saturated soil can lead to foundation shifts or settling. If the foundation was already compromised or if there were gaps from the dry season, the added pressure can lead to more severe issues.

1. Flooding: Heavy rains can lead to significant flooding in basements and crawl spaces, especially if there are pre-existing issues.

2. Moisture and Mold: Even if water doesn’t pool, high humidity and moisture can infiltrate below-grade spaces, creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. If old fiberglass insulation is exposed to high humidity this will absorb excess moisture and hold it against your homes wooden beams, creating a breeding ground for mold spores. 

3. Structural Damage: Water issues can weaken the foundation and lead to problems like cracking or crumbling, compromising the structural integrity of your home.

Prevention and Mitigation

1. Inspect and Repair Foundations: Check for cracks or gaps in your foundation and have them addressed before the rainy season.

2. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure that these are clear and functioning correctly. Extend downspouts away from the foundation and ensure proper grading to direct water a safe distance away from your home.

3. Install or Upgrade Sump Pumps: The correct sump pump installed in the lowest point, helps manage excess water and prevent flooding. There are different sump pumps out there, having the right one to address your homes geographical needs is important.

4. Use Vapor Barriers: Installing vapor barriers along the walls and floors can help reduce moisture levels in below-grade spaces, protecting against mold and mildew. A simple 6 Mil is standard, but will need to be replaced every couple of years. For a long term solution, we offer the CleanSpace vapor barrier with our encapsulation, which is 20 Mil thick and has a woven fiber to increase its durability and deter critters. 

5. Check and Repair Waterproofing Systems: If your basement or crawl space has a waterproofing system, it is important to have these properly maintained. A full system will include appliances such as a sump pump and dehumidifier, both of which benefit from annual tune-ups to keep them running properly. 

The transition from a dry summer to a rainy season can have a significant impact on below-grade spaces. By understanding the potential issues and taking preventive measures, you can protect your home from water damage and maintain a dry, healthy living environment. Regular maintenance is key to managing the effects of heavy rainfall and ensuring your basement or crawl space remain dry, stable, and healthy.