If you live in Michigan, you already know the weather can be unpredictable—and hard on your home. Between heavy snow, spring downpours, and freeze-thaw cycles, moisture often finds its way into basements. It’s important for homeowners to prevent basement water damage before it leads to structural issues or mold growth.
Don’t fret: We’re here to help you protect your homes from the ground up. Ahead, we’ll cover how to keep your basement dry and safe from mold, water damage, and costly repairs, no matter what the forecast holds.
Why Are Michigan Basements Especially Vulnerable to Water Damage?
There’s a lot to love about living in Michigan, but truth be told, our state’s climate puts homes through the wringer.
In late winter and early spring, melting snow and frozen ground create runoff with nowhere to go, often leading to pooling around your foundation. Spring and summer bring heavy rainstorms that saturate the soil, while fall can clog gutters with leaves, sending water straight toward your home.
All that moisture builds up in the soil and creates pressure against your foundation. Over time, it finds its way in through cracks, joints, or porous concrete. And once it’s inside, it doesn’t take long for mold to grow, especially in basements that are already dark, humid, and poorly ventilated.
4 Common Causes of Basement Water Damage
Aside from the weather, there are a few usual suspects when it comes to water intrusion:
Hydrostatic pressure: Saturated soil puts pressure on your foundation walls, forcing water through cracks.
Poor drainage: Clogged gutters, misdirected downspouts, or flat grading can channel water straight toward your home.
Foundation cracks: Even small cracks can allow water to leak through, especially during heavy storms.
Outdated or missing sump pump systems: Without a reliable way to move water out, your basement can flood.
Water Damage Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
You don’t have to wait for standing water to know there’s a problem. Look for these early warning signs:
A musty or damp smell
Mold spots or mildew in corners
Water stains on walls or floors
Cracks in the foundation
Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action before the damage worsens.
How to Keep Your Basement Dry (Spoiler Alert: Waterproofing)
Basement water damage is preventable, as long as you take proactive steps to keep moisture out.
At MBK Constructors, we specialize in comprehensive waterproofing solutions designed for Michigan’s unique climate. Whether you’re dealing with an existing issue or looking to avoid future problems, here’s how we can help you protect your basement.
Exterior Drainage Improvements
The slope of your yard should help water drain away from your home, not toward it. MBK can come out and inspect your gutters and downspouts to make sure they’re diverting water far enough away from the foundation to prevent basement water damage.
If needed, we’ll adjust the grading, extend downspouts, or recommend drainage solutions that will help prevent water from pooling around your foundation.
Interior Waterproofing Systems
Interior waterproof systems provide a powerful backup in the unfortunate event of water seeping inside. MBK can install vapor barriers to block moisture, drainage tile systems to carry water to a sump pump, and sealants to keep walls and floors protected. These systems work together to manage moisture and reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
Foundation Crack Repair
Even tiny cracks in your foundation can allow water to seep in over time. The MBK team uses professional-grade materials to seal cracks and reinforce weak points, preventing small problems from turning into major repairs.
Sump Pump Installation & Maintenance
A reliable sump pump is essential to prevent basement water damage in Michigan homes. MBK installs high-efficiency systems that automatically remove water buildup and keep your space dry.
Already have a sump pump? We can inspect and maintain it to ensure it’s ready when you need it most, especially during spring melts and summer storms.
How Waterproofing Pays Off for Michigan Homeowners
Waterproofing isn’t just about avoiding messes—it’s about protecting your investment. Proper waterproofing helps preserve the structural integrity of your home, ensuring that your foundation stays solid for years to come.
Taking proactive steps to waterproof your basement also means fewer repairs down the road. Moisture problems, if left untreated, can lead to severe damage. Water damage remediation can cost anywhere from$2,000 to $6,000, depending on the extent of the damage. Not to mention, mold; according to Restoration 1, professionals usually charge between $10 and $25 per square footto remove mold, so treating a 100-square-foot area can cost around $1,000 to $2,500.
Finally, waterproofing your basement opens up the possibility to transform the space into something that suits your lifestyle. Whether you want to build a home office, gym, guest suite, or more storage, you can transform your basement into a functional area (so long as it’s dry). This extra space not only enhances your home’s livability but also increases its overall value.
MBK Constructors for Expert Basement Waterproofing
We’ve spent over three decades helping homeowners in the greater Ann Arbor area keep their homes dry, safe, and structurally sound. If you’re seeing early signs of water damage or want to proactively waterproof your basement, we’re here to help.
Michigan winters can be particularly tough on homes, with cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and the constant threat of ice buildup. These conditions can lead to a variety of issues, such as sagging roofs, leaks, and drainage problems caused by ice dams. Additionally, the biting wind chill associated with the season increases the risk of damage to both the interior and exterior of homes.
For that reason, it’s crucial for those in the Ann Arbor area to address winter-related concerns before they snowball (pun intended). To make it as easy as possible, we’ve put together a spring home maintenance checklist specifically for Michigan residents.
5 Tasks to Add to Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Inspect Your Foundation
During Michigan winters, freeze-thaw cycles can significantly impact your home’s foundation, causing cracks, settling, or shifting.
When it rains, water seeps into the cracks in your foundation. Then, it freezes, expanding and putting pressure on the foundation, which can potentially worsen these cracks over time. It’s essential to inspect both the exterior and interior of your foundation for any visible cracks, particularly those that appear to widen as the weather warms up.
And speaking of warming up, the spring thaw brings another concern: water damage. Melting snow and ice can lead to moisture infiltration, which may cause your foundation to weaken or lead to mold growth in your basement or crawl space. Check for water stains, dampness, or unusual odors, particularly in areas where moisture may have accumulated during the winter months.
To do:
Check the interior and exterior of your foundation for cracks. If you find one, monitor whether it grows as the weather warms up.
Check for signs of water damage. Look for water stains, dampness, and unusual odors.
2. Check for Drainage Issues
Proper water drainage helps prevent long-term damage to your home’s foundation. During Michigan winters, ice and debris can accumulate in your gutters, causing blockages that prevent water from flowing properly. When there’s an overflow, water will run down the sides of your house and pool near the foundation, potentially causing moisture damage—an expensive problem.
To check for drainage issues, start by assessing the condition of your gutters and downspouts. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear, securely attached, and directing water away from your home.
Next, inspect the grading around your foundation. If you notice any low spots or areas where water might pool, you may need to regrade the soil. The ground should slope away from the house, allowing water to flow away from the foundation rather than toward it. Over time, the ground can settle or erode, causing areas where water may collect around the foundation.
Finally, check for pooling water around the foundation or in the basement, especially after a spring rain or thaw. If you find standing water in your basement, it could indicate a need for additional drainage solutions, such as French drains or sump pumps, to prevent flooding and long-term water damage.
To do:
Assess the condition of your gutters and downspouts. Ensure they are clear of blockages, securely attached to your house, and directing water away from (not toward) the building.
Inspect the grading around your foundation. Look for low spots where water could pool and ensure the ground slopes away from your home.
Check for pooling water around the foundation and inside your basement. Pooling water is an indicator of a grading issue. If you think you need to regrade, give us a call (734-994-4644).
3. Inspect Exterior Walls and Doors
During Michigan winters, materials expand and contract due to repeated freezing and thawing. In some cases, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause damage to the exterior of your home, particularly to doors, door frames, and paneling.
To assess whether your home has been affected, walk around the exterior and examine the walls for signs of damage, such as cracks, peeling paint, and warped panels. These issues not only affect your home’s insulation but can also lead to water damage or pest intrusion if left unaddressed.
Pay close attention to areas around doors and windows, where seals and caulking may have deteriorated over the winter. In some cases, missing flashing can leave caulking as the only line of defense against moisture, leading to leaks and water damage over time. Fortunately, replacing cracked caulking or adding new weather stripping is an affordable way to make your home more energy-efficient and prevent larger problems down the line.
Also, check that doors open and close smoothly. Note whether there are any warped frames or misaligned hinges. These are signs of structural movement, so it may be worth consulting a professional to assess whether more serious issues are developing if you notice them.
To do:
Examine the exterior walls of your home. Look for cracks in siding or masonry, peeling paint, warped panels, or any gaps where cold air and moisture can seep inside.
Check your doors and windows for signs of deterioration. Look for worn-down weather stripping and cracked caulking.
Ensure your doors open and close smoothly. Shifting and settling during the winter months can cause warped door frames and misaligned hinges.
4. Evaluate the Roof and Chimney
Your roof takes the brunt of Michigan’s winter weather—snow, ice, wind, and fluctuating temperatures all cause wear and tear. That said, assessing the state of your roof should be a part of every Michigander’s spring home maintenance checklist. Visually inspect your roof, looking for signs of compromised materials, such as curling, missing, or damaged shingles. Pay particular attention to spots where ice dams may have formed, as these can lead to leaks and water damage under the shingles.
Next, check the flashing around your chimney, vents, and any skylights. Flashing is essential for preventing water damage, so if you experienced leaks during the winter, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your flashing more closely.
Finally, inspect the chimney itself. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause bricks and mortar joints to crack or crumble, leading to structural instability or water infiltration. Check for efflorescence (a white or gray powdery substance that appears on concrete), spalling (flaking or crumbling brick), or leaning. These can all indicate that repairs are needed to maintain the integrity and safety of the chimney.
To do:
Inspect your roof from the ground (or a ladder, if you’re comfortable with that). Look for damaged or missing shingles, sagging areas, and signs of granule loss.
Check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Damaged flashing allows water to seep through the roof deck and into your home, potentially causing water damage.
Assess the state of your chimney. Check for efflorescence, spalling, and leaning.
5. Assess Driveways, Sidewalks, and Patios
Concrete and asphalt surfaces are prone to cracking, shifting, and surface deterioration during Michigan winters. That’s why, come spring, it’s important to inspect your driveway, sidewalks, and patio for new or worsening cracks, pitting, or uneven surfaces that could lead to further damage if left unaddressed.
Also, check for pooling water, which can indicate drainage issues or low spots created by winter ground movement. Over time, standing water can erode materials and cause further settling, especially around the edges of patios or walkways.
If you notice significant cracking or uneven sections in any of these areas, it may be time to consider resurfacing, sealing, or even replacing affected areas. Early maintenance can extend the life of these surfaces and help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future. For minor issues, patching or sealing cracks can be a quick and effective solution to prevent water from getting in and causing additional damage next winter.
To do:
Inspect your driveway, sidewalks, and patio. Look for tripping hazards such as large cracks, pitting, and uneven surfaces.
Check for pooling water around your driveway, sidewalks, and patio. Pooling water can be caused by inadequate drainage, poor soil conditions, and the presence of impermeable surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt.
When in Doubt, Call MBK Constructors
Cracks, bowing, pooling water, and other signs of settling and shifting can become costly problems if they’re not addressed in a timely manner. If you complete our spring home maintenance checklist and notice any of the signs of damage we mentioned, a professional inspection is the next best step.
After a long Michigan winter, every Michigander starts fantasizing about the sunny days ahead. As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to reimagine your outdoor space, starting with your deck and patio. Whether you dream of backyard barbecues, evening gatherings, or a peaceful spot to relax, deck and patio integration landscaping can bring your vision to life.
Before you start planning, it’s essential to consider how your deck, patio, and landscape elements will work together, both visually and functionally. Thoughtful design will make all the difference, especially in Michigan, where the warm season is brief and winters are harsh.
How to Integrate Decks and Patios into Your Michigan Backyard
1. Consider Your Yard’s Layout and the Local Climate
Start by assessing the layout, sun exposure, and soil conditions.
In Michigan, these factors can significantly impact your design choices, particularly when considering the challenges of heavy snowfall, spring thaw, and clay-rich soils. Understanding these conditions upfront will guide the layout and placement of your outdoor features and ensure they last through Michigan’s extreme seasonal changes.
For example, if your backyard has a natural slope, you might need to incorporate retaining walls or terraced landscaping to manage water runoff and prevent erosion. In flat areas with poor drainage, installing a raised patio or adding a gravel base beneath your hardscape can help avoid pooling water during the spring melt.
Sun exposure is another key consideration. A backyard that receives full sun for most of the day may benefit from a pergola over the patio or a covered deck to create shade, while a shaded yard might be better suited for materials that resist mold and moss buildup, such as composite decking or sealed pavers.
2. Design an Outdoor Space That Fits Your Lifestyle
Whether it’s an area for entertaining guests, a quiet spot for morning coffee, or a safe space for kids and pets to play.
If you’re planning to upgrade your backyard with a deck or patio, think beyond the aesthetics—consider the purpose the space will serve in your daily life. Ideally, any additions should make it easy to move between indoors and outdoors, so your yard becomes a true extension of your home.
If you enjoy dining alfresco, a raised deck located just off the kitchen can make mealtime easy and convenient. For those who love to cook and entertain, incorporating an outdoor kitchen into your backyard design can further enhance the value of the space. In fact, a recent survey by Houzz found that nearly one in five homeowners added a full outdoor kitchen as part of their landscaping upgrades, indicating a growing interest in multifunctional outdoor spaces.
In larger yards, a deck that steps down to a stone or paver patio creates a smooth visual transition and adds depth to the space. Plus, pathways help guide guests (and little ones) safely from one area to the next, such as from a grilling zone to a shaded lounge or garden nook. Houzz’s survey revealed that 37% of homeowners incorporated dedicated areas for children or pets as part of their outdoor improvements in 2024, highlighting the growing demand for family-friendly yard designs.
3. Choose Materials That Will Endure Michigan’s Winters
Choosing the right materials from the start will reduce the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.
When adding a patio or deck to your outdoor space, it’s essential to select materials that can withstand Michigan’s climate without compromising style. Harsh winters, spring thaws, and seasonal moisture will all take a toll on poorly chosen surfaces. Luckily, there are plenty of resilient options to consider when planning your patio or deck upgrade.
Durable Options for Decks and Patios in Michigan
Composite decking
Composite decking is a low-maintenance choice for Michigan homes as it is engineered to resist rot, warping, and insect damage. It also withstands snow and rain well and won’t splinter in cold weather.
Stone pavers
Stone pavers are a popular pick for Michigan patios. Natural stone pavers (such as those made from bluestone and granite) handle freeze-thaw cycles better than poured concrete. Plus, their weight and texture also help prevent shifting over time.
Stamped concrete
For a more custom look, stamped and sealed concrete can mimic the appearance of stone or brick while offering long-term durability. With proper sealing, it withstands moisture and ice well.
Durability is essential, but the color, texture, and how each element ties into your home’s exterior and landscape also matter. Choosing complementary tones and finishes can help your patio or deck blend seamlessly with your home’s exterior.
4. Complete the Look with Thoughtful Landscaping
When installing a new patio or deck, landscaping isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s part of the plan.
Deck and patio integration landscaping ensures that your outdoor space looks cohesive, functions well, and feels like a true extension of your home. As you plan your backyard upgrades, consider:
Privacy and shade: Tall shrubs or strategically placed trees can provide for decks and patios, offering comfort and seclusion.
Low-maintenance greenery: Native plants and hardy perennials thrive in Michigan’s climate and require little upkeep.
Garden accents: Raised beds, planters, and flower borders add a pop of color and create smooth transitions between hardscape and lawn.
Lighting and ambiance: According to Houzz’s survey, 78% of homeowners upgrading their outdoor spaces are adding lighting, making it one of the most popular features. It’s no wonder why—proper lighting enhances safety and extends the use of your space into the evening.
Drainage and water flow: Smart landscaping choices can help divert water away from your patio or deck, protecting your investment from erosion and moisture damage.
By planning your deck and patio integration landscaping from the outset, you can create an outdoor environment that’s both beautiful and practical, ready to enjoy from spring through fall.
Let’s Bring Your Vision for Your Backyard to Life
Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing space, thoughtful deck and patio integration landscaping can transform your yard into a functional, beautiful retreat that fits your lifestyle year-round. From material selection to final plantings, every choice should work in harmony with Michigan’s climate and your home’s layout.
Learn more about MBK’s landscaping services and how we can help you design an outdoor space that looks great and lasts.
