A leaky basement is a nightmare. Mold and mildew build up and can be hazardous to your health. In addition, many of us store things in the basement and we don't want to risk having them ruined. There are a few techniques that you can use to make sure that your basement stays dry throughout the year.
1. Install eaves/gutters.
The best way to make sure that you don't have excess moisture running into your basement is to install gutters or eaves on your home. This makes a big difference and you can even utilize rain barrels at the ends to conserve water. These are not that difficult to install and can mean the difference between a basement that is nice and dry and one that has a foot of standing water. This is the first step that you should take.
2. Pour rocks along the side of your home.
Rocks absorb some moisture and after you've got your eaves up, you can line the sides of your home with a rock bed. On the plus side, not only will it help prevent excess moisture from building up, but it will also look very nice. Add in some plantings and you'll be all set.
3. Make sure outdoor faucets don't leak.
Many of us have outdoor faucets that are situated right next to basement exterior walls. Even a small leak on one of these faucets can mean big water damage over time. Make sure that your faucets are not leaking and line the area where they are with plastic so that when you are using them, the excess water does not drip down into your basement.
4. Use water blocker paint on basement walls.
Sometimes, and in certain climates, moisture builds up on the concrete blocks that are used to make basements, causing them to weep. There are several different types of paint that can be used to seal these up so that they don't cause water damage in your basement. Make sure that you open up any windows downstairs or use a fan for ventilation when painting since these paints can be very fumey.
5. Keep a sump pump on hand.
When all else fails and you've had a ton of rain or flooding, getting that water out as quickly as possible is vital. Invest in a good sump pump if you have had flooding before. This can make all the difference when it comes to the amount of water damage you have after a flood.
6. Try re-landscaping.
If you are frequently having to deal with water in your basement, your landscaping may be to blame. Find out if there are any slopes that are diverting water towards your house instead of away from it. You may need to hire a professional to help you correct any of these issues unless you already have landscaping experience.
These tips make it easy to keep your basement dry and your storage items free of water damage.
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Originally posted 2008-09-14 05:39:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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If you have a rain barrel, make sure the over-flow port allows ALL the excess water to run off during a rain event. Most rain barrels do NOT have a large enough overflow and water runs over the top of the barrel and next to the foundation of your home.
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