How to Keep Your Basement Dry During Rain and Snow Seasons
Repair Basement Cracks Right Away
Cracks in your basement walls or floors are a wide-open entrance for water to enter your basement. You should inspect your basement regularly for any cracks or gaps and seal them accordingly. You can use hydraulic cement or a waterproof sealant to fill any openings in your basement walls or floors. If you notice any significant structural issues, it is best to contact a professional for repair. Don’t ignore these signs of structural damage:
- Settling or sagging floors
- Doors that don’t close properly or stick to their jambs
- Widening gaps in baseboards and trims
- Cracks in drywall
- Spidering beginning from the corner of a doorway
Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to accumulate around your home’s foundation. When it rains, the water can seep into your basement, causing moisture, mold, and mildew growth. Make sure to clean your gutters at least twice a year or more often if you live in a heavily wooded area. Beyond that, we also recommend directing downspouts away from the home’s foundation to further reduce the risk of damage.
Consider Installing a Sump Pump
Most homes built after 1985 already have a sump pump, but older properties may be missing this crucial plumbing aspect. A sump pump is a device that sits in a basement sump pit and pumps the water out of your basement. It’s one of the most effective methods of keeping excess moisture out of your basement. Sump pumps are especially useful during heavy rain or snowfall when the water table rises and your basement is at a high risk of flooding. Make sure to test your sump pump periodically to ensure that it is in good working condition.
Remove Snow From the Siding
When the winter months roll in, stay vigilant for piling snow. While creating piles of snow is fun for sledding, too much snow leaning against your home’s siding can lead to water damage. In addition to shoveling your driveway, be sure to remove any snow that has built up along the siding. This will prevent melting snow from seeping into your home.
Enhance Your Landscaping
Landscaping plays a significant role in keeping your basement dry. Make sure to grade your lawn away from your house so water flows away instead of toward your basement. Consider installing drains to divert water away from your foundation. Additionally, planting native shrubs and using plenty of mulch may help to absorb water and reduce soil erosion.
Waterproof Your Basement
If you want an airtight solution to water damage, invest in total waterproofing. Waterproofing prevents moisture from entering your basement, making it a long-term solution to keeping your basement dry. You’ll have your pick from several different types of waterproofing solutions, including interior and exterior waterproofing techniques. Talk to the experienced team at Everdry Waterproofing about the following approaches:
Avoid Moisture Damage With Everdry Waterproofing
Keeping your basement dry is essential for avoiding water damage, mold, and mildew. By following our tips and tricks, you can ensure that your basement remains dry and free of any moisture-related problems. Need more practical solutions for keeping your home safe from rain and snow? Get in touch with Everdry Waterproofing. We offer a slew of repair services and products to keep everything in top shape. By taking proactive measures, you can keep your basement dry all year round and enjoy a comfortable and safe living space. Contact our Greater Wisconsin team today.