Do you have a wet basement you need to fix yourself?
Most of us try to avoid thinking about our home’s basements. After all, the basement often serves as a storage unit for the rest of the house. But when you get a leak or moisture problem in the basement, the solution can cost you a significant amount of cash–and lots of your valuable free time.
So what can you do about wet basements?
To learn more, keep on reading. In this article, we’ll give you a handful of tips to avoid moisture problems in the basement that you can adopt yourself.
Reduce Seepage in Your Basement
Moisture buildup in your basement can cause serious issues for your home. It includes possible structural damage and harmful mold growth. It is important to take the necessary steps to reduce seepage to prevent moisture problems in your basement.
Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris, as clogged gutters can cause water to accumulate near your foundation. Keep your landscaping graded so that any water will flow away from your home rather than toward it.
When regarding the land, ensure the soil slopes away from the house for at least two feet on all sides. It ensures that the soil does not abut against siding or brick and removes any existing sources of water leading to the foundation. If there is an existing downhill slope, regarding it should ensure a greater degree of water removal to lessen water problems.
If you suspect a more serious problem, you should get professional services for a more thorough inspection. It would be best if you also looked for a reliable waterproofing company, as they can take steps to help ensure that your basement is moisture-free and safe. Investing in professional services and having a fast response can also help prevent costly problems later.
Install a Sump Pump
The sump pump is installed in the basement, connected to the sewer line, and will help to pump out water when the basement floods. It collects water from the basement and pumps it to the sewer line. It prevents the basement from getting flooded and reduces the risk of mold and mildew developing.
In addition, installing a sump pump helps ensure adequate drainage away from the house’s foundation. It can prevent water from pooling near the foundation. It will also reduce the risk of basement flooding and dry the basement.
You can also prevent moisture problems by installing drainage tubing. You can install this tubing along the room’s perimeter and connect it to a sump pump that can divert water from the house’s foundation. It is essential to ensure the drainage lines are always clear of any blockage.
Reduce Excess Indoor Humidity
One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier. It will help reduce the humidity and also help keep mold and mildew from forming. Make sure to open windows and circulate fresh air from outside as well. You can also install exhaust fans to reduce the humidity to do so.
Another important step is to ensure proper ventilation and exhaust in the basement, as this will help move the moisture outside. You should also ensure that all leaks and drainage issues are addressed and that there are no cracks in the foundation or walls that could be contributing to the problem.
You can also prevent moisture problems by insulating basement walls. Proper insulation creates a barrier that prevents warm, moist air from entering the basement from higher levels in the home. In addition, the insulation traps the warmth in the basement during colder months, helping to keep out any cold drafts and reducing condensation.
Furthermore, proper humidity and insulation can also make your basement more comfortable. There are many uses for a basement aside from a storage space, as you can also transform it into a man cave. Research the different transformations you can have on your basement, as you can surely put it to better use.
Fill Walls with Large Cracks
Cracks can often be filled with caulk or expanding foam, but for larger ones, you can use a combination of epoxy, concrete patching material, and acrylic cement. These materials should be applied with a wide putty knife and worked into the crack until the material is flush with the surrounding wall. Additionally, you can sometimes use sealant tapes and mortar mixes to fill small gaps around window frames and other areas where air can leak into the basement.
Seal Your Wall Exterior
You should apply a waterproof sealant to the exterior walls of any basement. After thoroughly cleaning the walls, use an acrylic-based sealant along any cracks or openings on the exterior, ensuring to overlap each successive layer of sealant.
Make sure to apply a thick enough layer of sealant to create an effective impermeable barrier; then, after the sealant has dried, apply a nonporous paint on top. It will help protect your walls from water damage, reducing the risk of moisture problems in your basement.
Limit the Proximity of Large Bodies of Water
One of the most important steps in controlling moisture levels is to ensure that any surface water and drainage is located at least 10 feet away from the outside walls of your basement. It can be accomplished by either proper landscaping techniques, such as sloping the land away from the basement walls or installing a French Drain. Furthermore, periodically inspect the foundation for any signs of water accumulation in or around your basement, and make any necessary repairs.
Keep Moisture Problems Out of Your Basement
The best way to prevent moisture buildup in the basement is to act proactively with prevention. By following these tips, you can help prevent serious damage. Be sure to clear gutters and downspouts, ensure proper drainage away from the house, seal any foundation openings and inspect the basement regularly.
Stop the cycle of moisture and mold growth today. Contact a professional contractor for help.
Have this article helped you out? If you’re looking for more tips and advice, please read other related topics on our blog!
Published by HOLR Magazine.