Three Tips for Keeping a Dry Basement
While not all homes have them, basements are a special part of any home. Basements are the places where a homeowner’s creativity can really shine. You can find images of basements that have been transformed into elaborate family game rooms, home theaters, small apartments, bars, and much more! Unlike the living room, kitchen, and bedroom, the basement can be whatever it needs to be. But the first thing a basement needs to be is dry.
With any great basement comes great responsibility. It’s important to remember that basements are underground and within the home’s very foundation. As a result, basements are prone to water damage that seeps in from the soil around them. In fact, more than 98% of homes with basements will see some kind of water damage. Without proper basement waterproofing, you just might find yourself fixing leaks in basement walls or investing in complete basement foundation repair. But before things get that bad, here are some ways to keep your basement nice and dry.
1) Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Peels
Prevention is always key when it comes to home repairs. After all, there won’t be nearly as much to fix if the problem is addressed before it gets worse. So, for starters, stay keen on cracks and peeling paint (if applicable) in your home’s foundation. Cracking wider than of fourth of an inch almost always means an influx of moisture, and the wider a crack becomes, the more moisture can enter, therefore compounding the problem the longer it goes on.
By sealing these cracks immediately after they’re seen, you’ll prevent any more buildup of moisture while securing your home’s foundation. Polyurethane is typically used to get inside the cracks and seal them completely by expanding within them. While there are do-it-yourself kits and guides for foundation sealing, it’s best to have someone who specializes in basement foundation repair assess the cracks and seal them.
2) Understanding Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are crucial for collecting and removing excess moisture that seeps into one’s basement. Think of a sump pump as a water sucking and spitting machine. The basin of the sump pump is placed in the floor of the basement, with a filter below it to keep out silt and other objects that might harm the pump itself. The pump is then placed inside the basin. Attached to the pump is a pipe that leads outside the home, far enough from the foundation to release the excess water without it falling back into the foundation. Having a sump pump professionally installed in your basement is a great way to ensure moisture won’t build up in your basement.
3) Don’t Forget to Insulate!
The best barrier between your home’s foundation and external water is good insulation in both the walls and pipes. If you own an older home, have your insulation assessed by a professional. The lifespan of usefulness for insulation varies depending the material, size of home, environment, and other factors. If you notice moisture entering the foundation, it might be a sign that your walls and pipes aren’t properly insulated. Poor insulation also leads to a decrease in energy efficiency, so new insulation is a plus in more ways than one!
No one wants to need basement foundation repair. To avoid a major basement renovation, keep an eye out for cracking and poor insulation, and make sure you have a good sump pump installed. This way, you can have the peace of mind you deserve when playing pool in the basement, or watching your favorite flick, or having drinks with some friends!