Basement waterproofing is important for every home, since too much water or even moisture in the basement could cause health and even structural issues. Termites are even attracted to moist and wet basements and their presence alone can lead to major structural problems.

If your home has a tendency to trap water in the basement, consider trying some of the following basement waterproofing approaches.

1. Cover the basement windows with specially designed caps. It’s definitely a good idea to cover up windows and window wells and even exterior stairwells if you have them, in order to help reduce the chance that water will get in. Hardware stores usually carry them and you can also hire a basement waterproofing firm to do the job for you.

2. Walk around the outside of the foundation and inspect for puddles and gathering water. Do this after a rainstorm or the first spring thaw. If the buildup is severe, a basement waterproofing professional should be called in to help you re-direct the water away from your home through landscaping or other means. For minor water buildup, you may only need to fill in some of the visible cracks in the basement walls with caulk.

3. Check your roof, gutters and downspouts for drainage issues. Get out your rain slicker and boots, since the only way to truly see how these things are behaving is during a heavy rainstorm. Look to see if the water is flowing away from your home as it should or if it’s collecting in one spot of standing water. Look up to see if water is pouring over the edges of your gutters. If it is, you may need to clean them out and/or install a drip edge to put a stop to it. Consider hiring a professional to do your gutter work since it will likely save you from damaging and having to replace them in the end.

4. Seal the basement’s exterior walls. Oftentimes, all it takes to reduce seeping and leaking water is to have the entire outside wall of the home sealed. DIYers should not take on this job alone, however. Because of the delicate nature of the work and the chemicals involved, only basement waterproofing companies should handle this particular job.

Why Invest In A Basement Waterproofing System?

If your home is susceptible to severe and consistent water buildup in the basement, it’s an absolute must to consult with a professional firm and have a basement waterproofing system put into place. In the short term, water might be unsightly and an annoyance, but in the long term, the pressure behind that water might also lead to structural problems for the home, not to mention mold and mildew.

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Wet Basements
Wet Basement