Winter Prep Guide for Northwoods Cabin & Cottage Owners: Keep Your Foundation and Crawl Space Protected
Winter in the Northwoods brings beautiful snow and serene landscapes, but it also introduces unique challenges for cabins and cottages. Freezing temperatures, snow, and frost heaves can place significant strain on your property’s foundation, crawl space, and elevated structures. Here’s your essential guide to prepping for winter with Sure-Dry’s specialized solutions for stabilizing foundations, encapsulating crawl spaces, and even supporting elevated cabins without foundations.
1. Reinforce Severely Failing Foundations with EverBrace®
For some northern Wisconsin cabins and cottages, foundation issues go beyond minor cracks and shifting walls. If your property has crumbling or severely damaged foundation walls, immediate action can prevent structural failure. These issues not only impact safety but also threaten your cabin's longevity through Wisconsin’s harsh winter cycles.
How Sure-Dry Can Help: With our EverBrace Wall Restoration System, we reinforce failing foundation walls, giving them the stability needed to bear the weight of your cabin or cottage safely. EverBrace provides a high-strength steel brace system that is custom-fit to your existing walls, creating a durable, permanent solution that withstands winter’s toughest conditions. Whether dealing with stone, block, or poured walls, EverBrace restores the safety and stability you need to weather any season.
2. Stabilize Elevated Cabins and Cottages Without a Foundation
Some cabins, especially older or rustic builds, are constructed on stilts or other forms of elevated structures rather than traditional foundations. While these designs are charming, they can be vulnerable to shifting and movement from freeze-thaw cycles and shifting soil, which can lead to uneven floors, sagging, and structural stress.
How Sure-Dry Can Help: Our team provides stabilization solutions for elevated structures, ensuring your cabin stays level and secure all year round. We use techniques like helical piers or driven piers that anchor into stable soil, creating a solid foundation and stabilizing the structure to prevent shifting. This is especially useful if you notice uneven floors or if your cabin sits on softer ground prone to shifting with temperature changes.
3. Seal Your Crawl Space for a Cozier, Drier Home
Many cabins rely on crawl spaces, but when they’re not encapsulated, they can let in cold air, moisture, and pests. This leads to cold floors, higher heating costs, and potentially unhealthy air quality in your home.
How Sure-Dry Can Help: With our crawl space encapsulation system, we use a durable vapor barrier to seal the space against moisture, mold, and critters. Encapsulation keeps your crawl space drier, warmer, and free from winter pests, ensuring warmer floors and more comfortable indoor temperatures.
4. Waterproofing: Protect Against Meltwater and Heavy Spring Rains
Freeze-thaw cycles and heavy spring rains can lead to water infiltration, causing potential damage in basements and crawl spaces. Even if these spaces stay dry through the winter, taking preventative steps now can save on future repairs.
How Sure-Dry Can Help: We offer comprehensive waterproofing solutions for basements and crawl spaces, including sump pumps, drainage systems, and vapor barriers. Our customized solutions protect against water intrusion and moisture buildup, keeping your cabin or cottage dry year-round.
5. Insulate to Cut Down on Heating Costs
One of the best ways to keep your cabin warm and cozy this winter is by insulating your crawl space, basement, and around your foundation to reduce heat loss.
How Sure-Dry Can Help: Sure-Dry’s insulation solutions—such as spray foam insulation designed for crawl spaces and basements—create an effective barrier against the cold, reducing heating costs and helping you stay warm, even in the harshest temperatures.
Winter-Proofing Tips Before Snow Falls
Along with Sure-Dry’s professional services, here are some quick tips to get your cabin winter-ready:
- Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure water is directed away from your foundation when snow melts.
- Disconnect sump pump discharge hoses or install an IceGuard System to ensure that water doesn't freeze and backup, causing flooding and damage to your sump pump system.
- Inspect foundation walls for any visible cracks or signs of damage and address them as soon as possible.
- Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts and moisture intrusion.
Get in Touch with Us Today to Schedule Your Free Estimate!
Sure-Dry has the expertise to ensure your Northwoods Wisconsin cabin or cottage stays safe and stable throughout winter. From foundation stabilization with EverBrace to encapsulation, waterproofing, and support for elevated structures, we offer solutions to fit the unique needs of any property. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your cabin or cottage for the winter and beyond.
