Top 7 Basement Waterproofing Tips For Homeowners
October 9, 2021
Although basements can be a great addition to any home, they can be prone to water leaks, which may result in damages to your property. Fortunately, there are some basement waterproofing solutions that homeowners can consider.
Whether you use your basement as an extra room or you want to avoid water intrusion as much as possible, it’s essential to waterproof your basement. As a homeowner, here are the basement waterproofing tips you should know:
1. Hire An Expert
More often than not, homeowners try to save money by doing basement waterproofing on their own. Unless you have the skills and experience, it’s best to contact the right basement waterproofing professionals to help you with your needs. Experts don’t only guarantee their work, but they also offer warranties, which can be beneficial for many homeowners in many ways.
2. Check Downspouts And Gutters
Checking both the gutters and downspouts is something that most homeowners neglect to do regularly. As a homeowner, you have to remember that your gutter system can help protect your home from water leaks and damage by leading the water away from your house via the downspouts.
When your downspouts and gutters aren’t properly maintained and cleaned regularly, they may get damaged or clogged by debris, hence they won’t be able to do their job to protect your house. In fact, clogged or damaged gutters may damage your house and encourage water leaks in basements. To avoid that, keep your gutters maintained throughout the year.
3. Consider Installing A Sump Pump
If you always deal with a flooded basement, you might want to consider installing a sump pump. This machine helps collect the water inside your basement and pumps it outside your house.
If you already installed a sump pump, it’s essential to maintain it regularly to prevent any blockage problems. To check your sump pump, pour water into the sump pit. Once it starts automatically, it means that it’s working.
Most homeowners also get a backup sump pump as a safety precaution. This will keep the pump operating even when there’s no power or during times of heavy rainfall when your main pump can’t keep up.
4. Fill In The Cracks
If the cracks in your basement are the primary cause of leakage, you can easily fix them by using hydraulic cement. However, you have to work fast as this kind of cement may be set in three minutes. Also, you should know how to fill in the cracks appropriately if you don’t want to experience water leaks in your basement again.
5. Control Humidity And Condensation
Humidity and condensation can make any basement damp. Condensation happens when the water from the cold pipes reacts to the warm air. To get rid of condensation, you may insulate your pipe using foam insulation. You may also insulate your basement’s walls to help avoid condensation. You may reduce the humidity level using a dehumidifier, too.
6. Repair Window Leaks
Window wells may hold water, particularly if the drainage system wasn’t placed under them when your house was constructed. This water may end up in your basement.
A fitting window drainage structure can be a tough post-construction project. But there are different ways to resolve window issues. An excellent solution is to dig out areas about two feet lower than your windows and consider packing that spot with gravel.
You may also install window well covers to direct the water away from your windows. In addition, you might want to recaulk your windows, especially if you’re planning to remodel your basement.
7. Protect Your Bare Basement Walls
If you have bare basement walls, you might want to consider painting them using waterproof paint. This type of paint has a sealant mixed in. Once applied properly, it’ll create a waterproof surface.
While using waterproof paint is a great solution for bare walls, it can’t be applied over your existing paint. In this case, you need to eliminate the existing paint before you can use the waterproof paint.
At present, there are different brands of waterproof paints. If you don’t know which one is suited for your basement walls, ask for help from professionals or other homeowners who have tried such paints before. Then, compare the options available in the market to get the best value for your investment.
Even if choosing the cheapest paint will help you enjoy savings, it may not give you the results you’re looking for. Therefore, always prioritize quality over price, especially if you don’t want to end up spending more on painting your basement walls.
Bottom Line
Waterproofing your basement is essential to keep the water out and to avoid damage to your property. So, make sure to take note of the above basement waterproofing tips and don’t hesitate to ask for help from professionals to get the best possible results. Even if working with professionals means an extra expense, they can help you choose the right basement waterproofing solutions suited for your property and your budget.