As a young kid, few things are scarier than dark basements. As an adult, few things are scarier than flooded basements. Insurance industry numbers show that 97% of basements will end up sustaining some type of water damage (YIKES!). There are a lot of ways to identify when you need basement waterproofing. Do not fear though; there are some things that you can do to help protect your basement from water damage by waterproofing in many different ways:
Four Ways To Waterproof Your Basement
1. Check your landscaping and lawn grade
If your yard slopes toward your home, instead of away from it, your basement is going to flood. Water will always travel the path of least resistance, and when it rains all of that water needs a place to go. When sloped toward your home, water will run right towards your foundation, and that is where it will pool up. Any leaks or cracks in your foundation will allow water to seep into your home. When the ground around the foundation becomes too saturated, the water will be pushed into your basement. If you notice that your lawn grade is toward your home, consider changing your landscaping and have it slope away from your foundation.
2. Keep your rain gutters clean and clear of any blockages
Sticks, leaves, dirt, and all other sorts of debris tend to find their way into rain gutters. If not regularly cleaned out, this can cause blockages. Blockages will cause water to overflow, run down your home, pool at the foundation, and potentially flood into the basement. When not able to drain correctly, gutters are not able to direct water away from your home. In order to prevent any clogs or blockages in your gutters, you should clean them out in the spring and then again in the fall.
3. Make sure your downspouts are leading water away from your home
A lot of downspouts are connected directly to the footer, or end right above the ground around your foundation. If this is the case for you, then add some length to your downspouts so that the water is directed further away from the perimeter of your home (at least 3 feet, but more if possible). You should direct water toward lawn areas that are graded away from your home so that water does not flow back towards your foundation.
4. Install a sump pump and backup system
If your basement doesn’t already have a sump pump, get one. By installing a sump pump in your basement, you can prevent water from rainfall from filling up into your basement. Sump pumps act like a floor drain by removing any water out of your basement, and the surrounding foundation, and redirecting it away from your home. It is also a good idea to have a backup sump pump that is either battery operated or on a generator so that it can kick on if the first one goes out.
Keeping your basement free from water may seem like an impossible task, but that is where we come in. American Eagle offers basement waterproofing in Maryland and surrounding areas to ensure your basement stays dry this summer. We take the fear out of water damage in your basement. Follow the steps above and then contact American Eagle to ensure your basement is safe from water by waterproofing today!
