November 24, 2025
Winter in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio brings a mix of snow, freezing rain, and quick temperature swings that can create some real headaches for homeowners. With everything going on outside, it’s pretty easy to overlook your gutters and downspouts. But when they freeze up, the problem often ends up showing itself in the basement.
Here’s what’s going on and what you can do to stay ahead of it.
How Frozen Gutters Cause Basement Water Problems
When gutters and downspouts freeze, melting snow has nowhere to go. Instead of draining away from your home, water spills over the sides and sometimes forms ice dams along the roof. As that water runs down your siding, it can collect around the foundation. That’s when trouble starts.
In Central Ohio, where temperatures bounce above and below freezing all winter long, water can seep into tiny cracks, push against basement walls, or overwhelm the sump pump. Over time, that leads to leaks, damp spots, and other basement moisture issues that no one wants to deal with.
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How Homeowners Can Prevent Frozen Gutter Problems in the Winter
Here are a few simple things Columbus and Central Ohio homeowners can do to keep their basements dry and winter water issues under control.
1. Clear Gutters and Downspouts Before Temperatures Drop
Cleaning out leaves and debris helps water move through the system more easily and lowers the chances of ice forming.
2. Check for Proper Grading
Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. When everything melts, you want that water heading out into the yard, not back toward your basement.
3. Insulate and Winterize the Home
Good attic insulation helps keep heat from melting snow unevenly on the roof. That means fewer ice dams. Winterizing exposed plumbing also cuts down on leaks that can add water around your foundation.
4. Extend Downspouts
Downspout extensions push water farther away from the house, which really helps during sudden warm ups.
5. Test the Sump Pump
Make sure your sump pump turns on, pumps water out, and has a clear discharge line. A reliable sump pump is your best backup when melting snow brings on extra moisture.
How Everdry Waterproofing of Columbus Can Help
Everdry Columbus works with homeowners all over Central Ohio, so we're used to the freeze thaw cycles and soil conditions that make water problems worse in the winter. Our team can check your foundation, look at drainage issues, and recommend waterproofing solutions that keep your basement dry long term.
Whether it’s moisture, cracks, leaks, or sump pump trouble, we'll help figure out what’s going on and how to fix it for good.
Protect Your Basement This Winter
Frozen gutters can bring on some frustrating basement issues, but taking action early makes a huge difference. Contact Everdry Waterproofing of Columbus to get a free inspection and learn about basement waterproofing options that keep your home dry all year.
