The Best Way to Prevent Water Entering your Basement
March 29, 2010
You are almost certain to have heard the wise proverb, ‘prevention is better than cure’. This is certainly true when it comes to protecting your basement from flooding. You may not be able to do enough to completely eliminate your risk of water entering your basement but there is certainly a lot you can do to reduce the risk of this happening. Here are just some ideas about how to go about it.
One of the first things you should do is assess your basement for any leaks. This means examining every inch of the area for any leaks or dampness. A single damp patch on your basement roof does not necessarily mean you should begin building an ark, but it should be investigated. In many instances the cause of dampness in a basement is due to poor air circulation and the build-up of condensation. Other times though it can be the sign that water is getting in from outside. Once you have established the presence of leaks then you should do all that is needed to remedy the situation before the floods come.
Understanding the drainage system near your basement can be a great help; don’t worry, you won’t be required to have a degree in plumbing to do this. Just know where the drains are and if there is a risk of them leading to flooding in your basement. What would happen if they were to block? In some instances you may decide that the drains will need to be directed elsewhere; always get a professional opinion on this or you could end up flooding the whole neighborhood.
Waterproofing your basement can be a wise move if you want to avoid flooding. Remember that water can enter your basement from the roof, the walls, and the floor. You should pay attention to all of these areas if you want to do what you can to waterproof this area of the home.
Many people like to use their basement as a place to keep their washing machine and freezers. If this describes your situation then keep in mind the risk of flooding that is associated with these devices.
One final note, to those hoping to prevent flooding in their basement, is to make regular visits to this area of the house and examine for any signs of dampness. Spotting a problem early enough can prevent a whole lot of grief.
