Keep Water Out: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Basement Dry
Water is one of the most destructive forces in nature, and it can wreak havoc on your home. Whether you live in an area where flooding or hurricanes are common, or if you just have a leaky pipe that won't stop dripping, water damage is something that every homeowner needs to be prepared for. If you want to keep your home dry and avoid costly repairs, here are 5 tips for keeping water out!
1. Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris
Clogged gutters and downspouts are a common cause of water leaking into basements. When they are blocked, they overflow, leading to puddles around the foundation that slowly seep through any weaknesses or cracks in the foundation walls before collecting inside. To avoid this problem clear away debris from these outlets and consider using splash blocks if necessary to direct water away from your home.
2. Use dehumidifiers during humid months to reduce moisture levels in the air
Humid air carries a lot of moisture. While you can’t control the humidity outside, it is possible to reduce indoor humidity with dehumidifiers during humid months. This will help prevent any water from condensing on basement walls and floors as well as inside your home's framework, reducing the risk of mold developing.
3. Seal cracks in the foundation to prevent water from seeping inside
If you have cracks in your foundation, it's important to fix them. Cracks provide easy access for water seepage and can lead to more serious damage when not taken care of properly. Fixing cracks in your foundation wall as part of your regular maintenance schedule will keep them from getting worse and causing more damage. epoxy can fix these small imperfections, but it's best to hire professionals if you want a professional-grade result!
4. Install a back-up pump for severe weather events
In the event of a flood, water from your basement may be pumped out by either a sump pump or backup pump. Sump pumps are installed in low-lying areas and can handle heavy rainfall without any risk of flooding. In some cases, you will need to install one as part of an overall waterproofing and drainage solution that covers both inside and outside your home.
Backup pumps are recommended in case your sump pump stops working for any reason. They are usually activated via battery power to ensure they continue working if the electricity goes out. In severe weather, having a back-up pump can be the difference between a flooded basement and a dry one.
5. Check your basement windows
Your basement windows can also let water in. If your windows are not properly sealed or are damaged, rainwater can find a way into the home. To help prevent this, check the sealant around your windows regularly and repair any broken windows as soon as possible. Consider putting window well covers on to prevent the window wells from getting overly full during heavy rain.
Water can be a destructive force and it's important to take precautions before disaster strikes. The tips we've provided will help you keep your home dry, but nothing beats a professionally installed waterproofing system. For more than 25 years, Over The Top Waterproofing has been providing basement waterproofing services in Philadelphia, Delaware, New Jersey, and the Tri-state area. For a free estimate and a customized design for waterproofing your basement, contact us now.