How to Keep Your Basement Dry (and Protected From Flooding)
Homeowners with basements are blessed with an extra room in their home that they can transform into any type of room they desire.
However, these homeowners are tasked with the difficult responsibility of keeping the basement dry (from moisture and flooding).
In order to keep the water and moisture out of your basement, make sure you…
Maintain Your Gutter System
One of the most common ways a basement experiences flooding is due to a poor (or absent) gutter system. Yes, this part of your roofing system is a major component that will help direct and channel rainwater from your roof to an area of your property away from the foundation of your home.
For those with damaged, clogged, or missing gutters — rainwater will fall to the ground beneath and begin pooling here. As the pooling increases, this water can begin to enter cracks and gaps in your foundation that can lead into the basement.
If you want to keep water from pooling on your property (and basement), ensure your gutter system is cleared of blockages, has a proper downward slope from the roof to the downspouts, has no gaps or cracks, and has the downspouts directed away from your property.
Install a Sump Pump
When serious flooding occurs because of something like a hurricane or burst pipe, it’s going to be extremely difficult to remove this water from your basement. However, there is one way you can do this without having to lift a finger — install a sump pump.
Sump pumps are designed to prevent flooding in your basement by collecting any standing water and pumping it to the outside of the house. While some circumstances (like hurricanes or burst pipes) increase your basement’s chances of becoming flooded, know that with the addition of a sump pump you’ll know the water won’t be there to stay.
Pro Tip: Every single homeowner with a basement should have a sump pump installed. Failing to do so could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and water damage remediation after the fact.
Keep a Dehumidifier on Hand
Basements can experience increased moisture levels whether there’s flooding or not (especially if it’s unfinished and without the support of an HVAC system). This increase in moisture can result in water damage and mold growth over time.
To avoid having to deal with moisture-related problems, add a dehumidifier to your home. A dehumidifier is a great tool to pair with your sump pump. The sump pump will remove the water and the dehumidifier will remove the excess moisture left behind. Talk about a one-two punch!
For the homeowners with basements looking for ways to keep them from flooding, know that our professionals can install a sump pump in your home to prevent this from ever happening! When you’re ready, make the call — we’ll be there!
