With snow on the ground then cold winter rain falling and adding more moisture to the ground soil around your home, there are steps you can take to ensure that water stays out of your basement.
The first thing you want to do is to check your downspouts. Be sure that your downspouts are pitched so that water will run through the downspouts from your roof and away from the house.
Also, you want to go outside and see if you have any cracks in the foundation where your foundation is above grade. This is very likely where the water will enter your home and your basement. Additionally, as you walk the perimeter of your home, look at the soil. You really want the soil surrounding your home to be naturally pitched away from the house. These are some of the easiest ways to be sure that water cannot enter your home.
Basements are inherently damp. Dehumidification is a good idea. Often people want ventilation in the basement so they open the window. What enters your home is moist, damp air. Keep the basement windows closed.
Cracked foundations or poorly constructed foundations can have poor long-term effects on the structural integrity of the foundation. Any cracks or moisture should be repaired quickly to maintain the structural integrity of your home and so you won't have larger problems down the road.
For more information on basement crack repair, watch the following video and contact A1 Foundation Crack Repair.