Tips: Preventing Leaky Basements
It isn't unusual for basements to begin leaking, and there are a number of reasons for this to happen. It is safe to say that when part of a home is built below ground level there is a risk that it will spring a leak at some point in its useful life. No one wants to find water in their basement, but if it is not dealt with the problem will only get worse.
No one wants a leaky basement. They are a blight for your home allowing moisture in and mildew and mold to form. If you have a leaky basement pay attention. The following tips can help you stop or prevent leaks and help maintain your basement in good enough shape so that you can use it.
€ Every three or four months, take a tour around the exterior of your home paying close attention to the gutters and downspouts. You want to make sure that there is no accumulation of debris blocking water from draining properly. Also, check to ensure that the downspouts are moving water away from the foundation. Installing a splash guard at the bottom of the spouts will help protect the soil from erosion.
€ After a good rain, check again to make sure that the grade around the home is allowing water to drain away from the foundation. If some of the soil gets washed away, replace it with topsoil as soon as possible. Think about adding some plastic sheeting around the parameter of the house at the foundation and up the sides about six inches. Then backfill this with your choice of landscaping soil or rock.
€ Ensure that your sump pump is working properly and that the discharge is positioned away from the foundation.
€ Water-proof basement windows using caulk and other methods to prevent water from entering the basement there. Keep leaves and debris from building up and retaining moisture in the window wells.
€ Once the last winter frost has passed, take a look around your home for signs that the foundation may be settling. Just add a little topsoil where needed to help prevent pooling of water.
As with anything else related to the care and maintenance of your home, ensuring that the foundation is protected is one of the best investments you can make. After all your home is your largest investment. It is also the place you hope will keep you and your family safe.
No one wants a leaky basement. They are a blight for your home allowing moisture in and mildew and mold to form. If you have a leaky basement pay attention. The following tips can help you stop or prevent leaks and help maintain your basement in good enough shape so that you can use it.
€ Every three or four months, take a tour around the exterior of your home paying close attention to the gutters and downspouts. You want to make sure that there is no accumulation of debris blocking water from draining properly. Also, check to ensure that the downspouts are moving water away from the foundation. Installing a splash guard at the bottom of the spouts will help protect the soil from erosion.
€ After a good rain, check again to make sure that the grade around the home is allowing water to drain away from the foundation. If some of the soil gets washed away, replace it with topsoil as soon as possible. Think about adding some plastic sheeting around the parameter of the house at the foundation and up the sides about six inches. Then backfill this with your choice of landscaping soil or rock.
€ Ensure that your sump pump is working properly and that the discharge is positioned away from the foundation.
€ Water-proof basement windows using caulk and other methods to prevent water from entering the basement there. Keep leaves and debris from building up and retaining moisture in the window wells.
€ Once the last winter frost has passed, take a look around your home for signs that the foundation may be settling. Just add a little topsoil where needed to help prevent pooling of water.
As with anything else related to the care and maintenance of your home, ensuring that the foundation is protected is one of the best investments you can make. After all your home is your largest investment. It is also the place you hope will keep you and your family safe.
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