Entries Tagged 'Basements' ↓

A big part of home improvement is about repairs. When something is not working correctly it is important to get it fixed. Additionally, by fixing a problem as soon as possible, you will
prevent further damage.

I have identified two such areas: Basement Waterproofing and Septic Tanks issues. These two issues can soon become huge problems which can easily compound into major expenses for you.

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Dany Daylight of the Waterproofing Foundation lends us his insight with 9 tips on keeping your basement dry:

* Place gutters on your home. Otherwise water will gather at the basis of your home, next to the foundation walls. If this occurs, the water may end up in the basement.

* If you happened to have a roof drainage system installed, make sure that it is functioning properly. Roof drainage systems effectively collect water off of the roof and send it to the downspouts. Make sure that the downspouts are transporting the water as far away from the home as possible.

* Where ever a paved area meets the foundation wall, apply some caulking or sealant. Caulk and sealant can play a bigger role than you may have expected in maintaining a dry basement.

* One reason you may be experiencing water problems in your basement may be because of “construction moisture”.

While installing a poured wall basement and floor slab there is about four hundred gallons of water in the concrete. In block construction, the floor slab would have about two hundred gallons of water.

This water escapes into your basement in the form of humidity. To help prevent this water vapor, circulate air into the basement and run a dehumidifier for three to five weeks. Humidity can play a major role in preventing you from having a dry basement.

* Another reason you may have water in your basement is due to the internal moisture. To reduce the moisture in your basement, you should make sure the plumbing is leak-free. Keep the doors going into your basement closed, and chemically or mechanically dehumidify the air. Be sure to empty the drain pan!

* Another area to check in your basement, are the window wells. Are they clean and well maintained? You may want to use plastic covers and metal housings for window areas.

* Check the ground around your home. Make sure that the ground has a positive slope of drainage away from the home. Dirt needs to be added around the home every couple of years due to settling.

* Another thing to be advised about is ventilation. As discussed earlier, concrete absorbs moisture. In the summer months, the humidity can make a basement damp or wet.

If this is a problem with your basement, a dehumidifier is the suggested cure, once again.

* If using a sump pump, make sure it works and is running in good condition. If you don’t have a sump pump, check into getting one.