Whether it’s an extra den for the kids or a place you use for extra storage – your basement is one of those fundamental parts of your home that you and the foundation of your home rely on. So if it starts to spring a few leaks, and begins to flood occasionally, it’s important to take action immediately and address it in order to avoid extensive water damage and mold or mildew. Here’s a guide on how you can waterproof your basement.
One of the most important features that inevitably determine the waterproofing of your basement is the grading level of the soil surrounding the foundation. Grading of the soil should always be sloped away from the base of your home in order to direct ground moisture and excessive water away from your house rather than towards it. If your home is old, improper practices during the time it was constructed may result in why you could have incorrect grading. Unfortunately, this situation also often applies to new build homes that were constructed improperly.
Any DIY solution here will ultimately be temporary, unfortunately. For example some guides recommend packing soil against your foundation to alter the slope, but what happens if this soil gets washed away? Call a foundation repair contractor to evaluate your entire property and fix the soil grading while taking into account the size of your yard, closeness of neighbours, and related factors. If soil grading cannot be fixed, don’t worry – an exterior basement waterproofing solution can safely divert water away from your basement.
Clogged gutters and downspouts are the most common cause of excessive water pooling in and around the base of your home. Leaves and other debris left over from the fall and winter can easily accumulate and allow water to collect around your foundation.
Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, always clean out your gutters and downspouts to ensure that pipes can do what they are meant to and carry water away from your home.
Cracks in your walls and foundation over time can transport moisture into your basement causing leaks and water damage, especially any cracks located around pipes or structures that go all the way through the concrete.
All cracks should be sealed to keep away water. However, crack repair is not a permanent, comprehensive solution to wet basement leaks. A truly effective solution requires exterior foundation waterproofing.
Cracks, mold, wood rot, along with a variety of other issues can easily develop as a result of water damage in your basement. Your basement is an essential component to the structural integrity and quality of air throughout your home, so it’s imperative to keep an eye out for any signs of water damage and address them immediately when you do notice them.
Does your home have a leaky basement? Call City Residential Foundation Repair today! We service homes in Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Bells Corners, Manotick, and surrounding areas in the National Capital Region.
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