Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season in New England: Foundation and Waterproofing Tips

When most people think about hurricanes, they picture coastal flooding and high winds. But even homeowners living inland throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts can experience significant water intrusion when tropical storms and hurricanes move through New England.

If your basement has struggled with even a small amount of water in the past, hurricane season can turn a minor nuisance into a major problem. A little seepage after a rainstorm may indicate that your home's waterproofing system isn't equipped to handle the heavy and prolonged rainfall that often accompanies tropical weather systems.
The good news? Taking proactive steps now can help protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.

Why Small Water Problems Become Big Problems During Hurricane Season

Many homeowners tell us, "We only get a little water during really heavy rain." While that may seem manageable, it can actually be a warning sign.

During tropical storms and hurricanes, the ground around your home can become saturated with water. As hydrostatic pressure builds against your foundation walls, water naturally looks for a way inside through:

• Foundation cracks
• Wall-floor joints
• Pipe penetrations
• Basement windows
• Porous concrete walls and floors

If water has entered your basement before, there's a good chance that a hurricane or tropical storm could lead to a larger intrusion event.

Inspect Your Home Before the Storms Arrive

Before hurricane season is in full swing, homeowners should evaluate their home for signs of moisture problems, including:

• Damp basement walls
• Water stains
• Musty odors
• Mold or mildew growth
• Efflorescence (white chalky residue on walls)
• Standing water after storms
• High humidity in basements or crawl spaces

Addressing these signs early can help prevent costly damage later in the season.

Protect Your Basement with the WaterGuard® Drainage System

One of the most effective ways to manage basement water intrusion is with the WaterGuard® Interior Drainage System.

Unlike traditional drain tile systems that can clog with mud and debris, WaterGuard is installed just below the basement floor and along the perimeter of your foundation. It captures water entering from foundation walls and beneath the floor before it reaches your basement.

Benefits of WaterGuard include:

• Captures water before it reaches living spaces
• Helps prevent flooding and water damage
• Minimizes the risk of mold growth
• Works seamlessly with a sump pump system

For homes that have experienced occasional seepage, WaterGuard provides a reliable defense against the heavier rainfall often associated with hurricanes and tropical storms.

Don't Rely on a Single Sump Pump

When severe weather strikes, your sump pump becomes one of the most important systems in your home.

That's why Erickson Foundation Solutions recommends the TripleSafe™ Sump Pump System.

The TripleSafe system includes:

Primary Pump

Handles everyday groundwater removal.

Secondary Pump

Activates during periods of heavy water volume when the primary pump alone isn't enough.

Battery Backup Pump

Provides protection during power outages when you need it most.

Power outages are common during tropical storms and hurricanes. A standard sump pump is useless without electricity. The TripleSafe system provides multiple layers of protection, helping keep your basement dry even when conditions are at their worst.

Seal Out Moisture with CleanSpace®

Water isn't the only concern during hurricane season. Excess moisture can create conditions for mold growth, wood rot, and poor indoor air quality.

The CleanSpace® Vapor Barrier System creates a durable moisture barrier that helps keep crawl spaces and basements cleaner, drier, and healthier.

CleanSpace benefits include:

• Blocks ground moisture and vapor
• Reduces humidity levels
• Helps improve indoor air quality
• Creates a cleaner storage environment
• Works as part of a complete crawl space encapsulation system

For homes with crawl spaces, encapsulation can be especially important during periods of extended rain and elevated humidity.

Don't Ignore Foundation Cracks

Heavy rainfall and saturated soils can put additional pressure on foundation walls. If your home already has wall cracks or signs of foundation movement, hurricane season can worsen existing problems.

Signs to watch for include:

• Foundation wall cracks
• Bowing or leaning walls
• Sticking windows and doors
• Uneven floors

If foundation issues are present, addressing them promptly can help prevent further damage during extreme weather events.

Peace of Mind Starts Before the Next Storm

Hurricane season in New England is unpredictable, but your preparation doesn't have to be.

If your basement has experienced even a small amount of water in the past, now is the time to evaluate your home's waterproofing protection. What seems like a minor issue during a typical rainstorm could become a major headache during a tropical storm or hurricane.

At Erickson Foundation Solutions, we help homeowners throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts protect their homes with customized waterproofing and foundation repair solutions, including WaterGuard®, TripleSafe™, CleanSpace®, SaniDry™, and more.

Don't wait until the next storm warning is issued. A proactive inspection today can help you enjoy greater confidence and peace of mind all hurricane season long.