Did you know the White House basement has an indoor swimming pool? While this sounds lovely, the chances are you’ll be hoping to keep water out of your basement rather than put more into it.
However, protecting your basement from water damage can be easier said than done. There are many ways water can get into your property and cause harm, and you need to be proactive to stop this from happening.
That’s why we’re going to describe 6 of the best ways to prevent water damage from occurring in your basement.
Let’s learn more.
Landscape Your Yard to Slope Away From Your Basement
One of the most overlooked ways to prevent water damage in your basement is to slope your yard so that rainwater flows in the other direction. You may not have noticed it before, but when it’s wet outside, the surface water will trickle away, and you don’t want it to go in the direction of your property.
Check which way the ground slopes around your foundation, and make sure it filters water away from your home. If not, you can raise the area to direct rainwater to a safe location.
This may be simple if you have grass or soil around your foundation, as you can build the area up. However, it can be a tricky process if you have a concrete yard. In this scenario, you can either come up with a DIY solution or you could hire a professional to raise the ground level.
Keep Your Gutters Clear
Your gutters can become clogged with debris, allowing rainwater to get trapped and overflow. This excess water can then find its way into your previously dry basement.
If you have a ladder, you can look in your gutters and remove any dirt that has gathered. You may not need to do this too often, but you could have to clean your gutters more frequently if you have trees that could drop leaves into your gutters. It’s also a good idea to perform an inspection after a storm, and you can also check for signs of damage at the same time.
Remember that working at heights can be dangerous, so if you’re not confident using a ladder, it may be best to pay a gutter cleaning professional to do this job on your behalf.
Add Downspout Extensions
Your downspout collects water from your gutter and deposits it a safe distance away from your home. But you might want to consider adding a downspout extension that will carry the water even further away from your basement.
If you notice there is water lying on the surface of the ground around your property, this could be an indication that you need to install a longer downspout.
You should also look for problems with your downspout, such as it not pointing in the right direction. If it hasn’t been installed correctly, this could mean it’s actively directing water toward your home.
In addition, keep an eye out for cracks appearing in your downspout, as these could allow rainwater to leak out before it reaches the bottom of the pipe. This additional water may then travel to your basement and cause damage.
Waterproof Your Basement
Basement waterproofing can be an excellent way to prevent flooding. There are several ways you can do this, but it’s best to start by cleaning and emptying your basement so you have easy access to every area.
You may be able to spot obvious faults where water could get in. This could include improperly sealed windows or gaps in the walls that would allow rainwater to seep through.
When you’ve resolved any issues, you can apply waterproof paint that can repel moisture. However, you might also decide to install a professional basement waterproofing system. This can be much more effective when it comes to diverting water away from your property.
Install a Sump Pump
Should you suffer basement flooding, the last thing you want is to have to try and remove the water manually. This can be time-consuming, costly, and may not even be a feasible option. To make matters worse, many insurance policies exclude certain causes of water damage, meaning you’ll have to foot the bill.
One way to reduce the risk of a flood in your basement is to use a sump pump. Should water enter your basement, the pump can collect it and send it outside of your home.
Regularly Check for Damage
If you can find signs of damage in your basement before it floods, this can save you a considerable amount of stress and money. It’s a good idea to have a regular inspection schedule where you can look out for serious issues such as foundation cracks. You can then hire top-class foundation repair services to fix the problem before it gets worse.
Be sure to take photos while you’re reviewing your basement so you can refer back to them and see if there is deterioration.
Protect Your Basement From Water Damage
Safeguarding your basement from water damage can be challenging, but it is possible if you use the above methods. It’s essential to make sure water isn’t draining into your basement and to ensure your gutters get rid of rainwater efficiently. You should also repair any damage as soon as you see it, and frequently check your basement for signs of leaks.
This will help keep your basement dry and secure.
If this post has helped you protect your basement from water damage, read more of our informative blog posts.
