A wet basement is not only smelly, but it can cause serious problems when it comes to the value of your home and the health of your family. While a wet basement is sometimes caused by large problems that you won’t be able to fix on your own, there are many things you can do to help keep this space dry. Here are tips to keep water out of your basement.
Tip #1: Check for Proper Drainage
One easy way to keep water out of your basement is to keep water away from your basement. Once or twice a year you need to check your gutters to be sure there are no leaves or other debris causing drainage problems. You also need to check your downspouts to make sure the water is leaving your property. You can ensure this by adding downspout extensions so that the water is being diverted further from your house.
Tip #2: Reshape Your Landscape
Now that you’ve ensured the water is draining properly from your roof and down your gutters, you want to make sure it can continue to flow away from the rest of your property too. You don’t want your landscape too close to your siding. So you can create a berm or swale around your home to help keep water away. If your home is sitting below the rest of your property, you’ll want to try to build up your yard so that water flows away from your home rather than toward it.
Tip #3: Fill Holes
As you continue to inspect the exterior of your home for ways water is getting into your basement, be sure to closely inspect for any holes or gaps in your foundation. Not only is this a point of entry for water, but it can also be a roadway for unwanted pests. Fill your holes with some hydraulic cement, helping to seal up your basement and keep water out.
Tip #4: Watch Inside Moisture
Water in your basement doesn’t always come from the elements outside; you can get moisture in your basement from inside too. If you have excess humidity, you can create water problems for yourself. Make sure your dryer vents are properly sealed, and you have and use vent fans in downstairs bathrooms. If your basement still feels muggy and wet, you should try running a dehumidifier. You can also cover your cold pipes with foam to keep condensation from dripping and making your basement wet.
Tip #5: Seal Walls
If you have concrete walls in your basement, you can waterproof them with waterproofing paint. Be sure to apply the paint generously, since it is filling every porous hole in your wall. And you want to apply the paint in all directions to ensure you’ve filled every nook and cranny.
Tip #6: Get Professional Help
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to keep water out of your basement, it’s time to start taking care of any water damage that may have been done before you were able to keep water and moisture out. RestoreMasters of Utah specializes in correcting water damage in homes. They’ll help minimize the cost and being restoring your basement to the way it was before — dry and safe.
