Our basements take a lot of wear through the years. Their positioning in our homes makes them more susceptible to water because they are below the surface. You have to take steps to prevent water from getting into the basement. There are a variety of waterproofing basement solutions that can be used to protect your basement.
When the heavy rains and excess moisture start coming in, these tips will help you work through having water in the basement. Don’t ignore cracks and leaks. Protecting your basement is vital to the structural integrity of your home.
The Importance of Fixing a Basement Leak
There is a common misconception that basements are just meant to be damp and dark spaces. But this isn’t really true. In fact, your basement shouldn’t be excessively wet at all, as this can lead to major damage. What might start out as a small leak could turn into an astronomical leak if you aren’t proactive about getting it taken care of.
That drip could turn to several inches of water in no time. Allowing the basement to leak affects the entire home. For instance, the basement will be damp and items in the basement may get damaged. You might also have mold growing from excessive moisture.
But this will also affect your foundation and lead to excess moisture side effects throughout the rest of your home.
Basement Waterproofing Tips for Rainy Weather
These tips will significantly help prepare your home for rainy weather. It’s a good idea to be proactive and take steps before the rain hits. But if you are experiencing leaks when it rains, do something about it when you discover it.
Take a look at these basement waterproofing tips to learn more.
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Exterior Grading and Sloping
The grading and sloping of your lawn could be causing water to run back toward your foundation and down into the basement. When homes are constructed, grading is typically set to slope away from the home.
However, erosion and soil changes, or even positioning, can cause grading to not be effective any longer. This is really one of your first defenses against water so that rainwater falling to the ground naturally moves away from the foundation.
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Gutters and Downspouts
Improperly working or functioning gutters and downspouts are one of the leading causes of water leaks in the basement. These systems are specifically designed to capture water runoff from your roof and then direct it and push it away from the foundation. That is their responsibility, and it’s a big one.
But when was the last time you cleaned or inspected your gutters? Have you looked at the downspout placement to ensure it’s really directing water away? Gutters have to be cleaned out and maintained to keep them from clogging. You’ve also got to look for disconnected pieces, cracks, or rust that can prevent them from working the way they should.
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Cracks in the Basement
If your basement floor or wall has any cracks in it, these are welcome entry points for water. Cracks should be waterproofed, sealed, and repaired as soon as you find them. When you leave a crack open, it leaves your foundation susceptible. And it’s not just water damage you have to worry about. You’ve also got structural damage that can result from cracks that are not fixed.
Most waterproofing companies offer efficient solutions that use injections and sealants to repair these cracks effectively.
Waterproofing Basement Systems
There are additional systems that can be used if you’ve checked the cracks and gutters and made sure everything is fixed up and running smoothly. Professional solutions include a variety of things that are designed specifically to keep water out of the basement, and you may need to consider working with a basement waterproofing company to get things taken care of.
You may benefit from:
- Moisture control systems (dehumidification)
- Foundation crack repair
- Foundation wall wrap
- Interior drainage systems
- Sump pump installation
Working with a professional is the best way to determine exactly which solutions will best meet your needs.
Protect Your Home and Keep Your Basement Dry
Basement waterproofing solutions come in all different shapes and sizes. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. However, many of these little details will have a major impact on protecting your basement from water when heavy rains come into the area.
Be proactive with monitoring your guttering systems, getting cracks sealed and fixed, and incorporating the waterproofing system that works best for your needs. Work with a professional team to ensure you get the best results!
