Water in your basement can be catastrophic for any homeowner. The best way to avoid real problems is to take early action, and to go to a professional. At Basement Solutions, we provide the knowledge and service needed to stop the problem before it’s too late. Meanwhile, here are a few tips to keep your basement dry.
1. Keep Water Away from the Foundation
Water usually enters the basement through the small cracks of your foundation. Your home has its own defenses against this, but they need to be maintained. It’s critical that you maintain a healthy foundation.
The first step is to inspect and clean your downspouts and gutters. They help direct the flow of water away from your foundation but can quite easily become clogged. When your gutters or downspouts don’t work correctly, the water spills over the sides and when this happens, the water can saturate the ground near your foundation and seep in.
Pay attention to your landscaping. It’s common for your home to have a slight pitch away from it. Sometimes this wasn’t done during the original construction and other times, it wears away over the years. This is particularly important during the winter, especially with the snowfall that happens here in Pennsylvania. When that snow melts against your home, the lack of proper grading can create serious problems for your basement.
2. Seal Interior Walls & Floors
You can take extra steps to waterproof the walls and floor of your basement interior by using waterproof sealant. These special sealants will form a solid membrane over the surface of your basement, preventing small leaks of water. The sealant needs to fill every tiny crack to form the appropriate seal. Don’t be too conservative as you apply it.
Keep in mind that sealant is NOT a solution to cracks or existing leaks. You should only apply it when your basement isn’t leaking. If cracks or leaks are already started, the longer you wait to contact a professional, the harder it will be to create a permanent solution.
3. Dehumidify
Air moves through homes in a particular way. This is one of the major causes of basement humidity, particularly when the air outside is humid. Because of this, and other factors like moisture permeating through foundation walls, basements tend to be more humid than the rest of your home.
The best way to help rid of this extra humidity is through a dehumidifier. Your basement’s size will dictate the size of dehumidifier you need, but most are similar. You’ll also need to pay attention to the natural humidity levels in your basement. Prevent mold by keeping your humidity below 50 percent. The ideal humidity is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent.
4. Insulate Pipes
It’s common for homeowners to insulate pipes to winterize are well as to reduce heat loss. Another great reason to insulate pipes is to prevent sweating. During hot, humid days, cold water pipes can lead to condensation building around them. These sweating pipes will contribute to the overall moisture in your basement as they drip.
Foam insulation is very cheap and easy to install. The foam protects your pipes from dripping all over your basement. During the winter, the insulation can help prevent drafts that might otherwise freeze them, too. Overall, it’s a great investment to protect your home and basement.
5. Patch Cracks Early On
The smallest crack in your foundation is all it takes to let water begin entering your home. If you’ve noticed moisture on the interior walls of your basement, you need to identify the source.
Most homes develop cracks over time. Whether due to shrinkage, settlement or the region’s climate, your foundation will likely crack at some point. Catch these cracks early by walking through your basement and looking under furniture, rugs or behind anything hanging on the walls. The sooner you notice them, the easier they are to fix!
For very thin cracks, you can simply fill them with waterproofing compound. However, if the holes or cracks are too large, they need to be patched, preferably by a professional such as ourselves. If you notice a big breach in your basement wall or floor, call us before the situation gets worse.
Contact Us
Tips to keep your basement dry can be very helpful in many cases but more times than not, homeowners don’t feel comfortable taking matters into their own hands. This is where Basement Solutions comes in.
Don’t hesitate, visit our website for more information or give us a call at 610-495-9111 to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE and let’s get started before its too late.
