Preventing a Wet Basement

You often see basement leaks developing in homes that are between ten and fifteen years old.

You often see basement leaks developing in homes that are between ten and fifteen years old. While fixing areas where water has already seeped in can be a major expense, taking steps to prevent water from entering is relatively simple. You should inspect your basement for minor cracks and leaks and fix them before they turn into major problems for your home and wallet.

The Cause of Wet Basements Surface water that does not properly drain away form the foundation is the prime source of basement leaks. Often this results from gutters which are missing, full of debris, or in poor repair. You can also have excessive ground water near your foundation as the result of excessive watering of flower beds and shrubs that are near the home. Water that collects near the home and does not have proper run off will run down into the ground next to your foundation. During heavy rains this collection of water can be rather large and begin to leak into your basement.

Preventing a Wet Basement One of the best ways to protect your foundation is to ensure that you have proper drainage of surface water. Water should be drained properly all the way around your home. Having proper drainage will not only protect your basement and foundation but also protect against soil erosion and ponding. You can prevent erosion and unstable banks with maximum slopes around your home. Water from the roof should feed into a downspout that takes the water away from the home and into a ditch or drainage pipe. Waterproofing your basement walls will also help prevent water from entering your basement. Wall insulation is another great way to keep moisture out.

Drying a Wet Basement Concrete sealers can be used to repair a leaky and wet basement. These sealers reach deep into the concrete and harden as a mineral in the pores. This protects the concrete against leaks and moisture. You will need to seal the entire area, including walls and floors, to prevent water from coming in.

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