February has been surprisingly wet for the residents of Knoxville, TN. Nearly three inches of snow have hit the ground in the second month of 2015, and rainfall has been even greater. With a major winter storm sweeping the region, the question on many Knoxville residents is: will my basement waterproofing hold?

Knoxville residents looking to verify the safety of their basements should first ensure that no existing cracks are visible. Freezing precipitation can quickly exacerbate existing damage to below-grade structures, leading to catastrophic damage. Home and business owners should also know the warning signs that a crack may be about to form, including dark spots on walls, increased pest activity, rust and peeling paint, or musty odors. If you fear your basement or foundation may be compromised, call a repair specialist immediately.

Winter weather also poses a risk to below-grade structures that are not yet cracked or damaged. While rainwater typically drains off uniformly throughout a storm, snowmelts can quickly deposit a large amount of water into the soil around a foundation. This results in a swift rise in hydrostatic pressure capable of rupturing waterproofing membranes and damaging foundation walls. The buildings best equipped to deal with these issues employ complete waterproofing systems, including a basement waterproofing membrane, a drainage board and drainage tiles. The drainage components of the system keep water flowing away from the foundation to reduce hydrostatic pressure and prevent debris from reaching the waterproofing membrane. The membrane prevents water from seeping into the foundation itself.