Generally, basements add value to your home, but nothing will get you more worried than a water-damaged basement. Basements are among the first areas to be damaged from inclement weather, flooding or drain pipe leakages. Oftentimes, water damage causes your basement to experience mould growth and structural damage.
Therefore, it's imperative to establish measures to protect your basements against water damage. One way to achieve this is through proper basement waterproofing procedures, which helps prevent mould growth, mildew and pungent odours. Besides, you can alleviate costly repairs through several preventative measures, including the following;
Maintain Your Foundation Cracks
Any cracks in your foundation can allow water to seep through the walls and flood your basement. However, you can waterproof your basement using appropriate waterproofing paint or sealants. You can also find sealants for basement walls or floor coatings that provide a faster but temporary waterproofing solution that's easier to apply.
Remember that waterproofing paints and sealants will protect your foundation walls against marginal quantities of water seepage and potential damage. But when considerable water amounts seep through the wall, the paint might not hold up.
Install A Sump Pump
Sump pump installation helps solve many basement flooding issues. It collects all the water and pumps it out away from your home. If you already have a sump pump installed, regular maintenance is crucial to alleviate potential blockages. To check for proper function, pour water into the sump pit and determine whether or not the sump pump runs automatically.
A healthy pump will not have any problem starting, but a faulty one will have issues running effectively. You can also install a backup sump pump as a safety precaution. That means your sump pump will continue running even when there is a power outage or during heavy downpours when the primary pump can't keep up.
Assess Your Walkways, Gutters and Downspouts
When waterproofing your basement, you must pay attention to service walkways, gutters and window wells. Consider applying a slant away from the foundation to such ground-level regions. When examining your gutters, determine whether there is any significant blockage and whether they allow for efficient water flow away from your home. Additionally, check the condition of your downspouts and have an expert fix them if there is any damage.
Consider these three waterproofing tips to keep your basement in tip-top condition. Besides, enlist an experienced waterproofing specialist in your area for more advice and professional assistance. For more information about waterproofing, reach out to a local service.