Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Basement Waterproofing
Due to their location, basements are naturally prone to take on water. For instance, you may notice your basement walls becoming moist from time to time or water puddles forming in different areas of your basement. And if your basement is constantly damp and humid, this can later on cause the paint to peel, the wood to rot, or mold and mildew to grow.
In this post, waterproofing and brick foundation repair specialist Stratum Structural Systems shares a few essential tips for waterproofing your basement.
DO find the leak source. A leaky basement can only be fixed when you address the problem at its source. So find out where the water is coming from and make sure to cut it off completely. A professional can help you determine whether it’s an exterior water issue where water is seeping in through the ground or entering through a window.
DO clean your gutters and foundation drains regularly. This will keep dirt and debris from clogging up your gutters and foundation drains. When you keep your gutter system clear of leaves and debris, the collected water could efficiently move from the downspouts and be discharged away from your home. On the other hand, if you have a backed-up gutter system or foundation drain, this would allow water to rise and cause flooding in your basement.
DON’T use DIY sealants. While these are a good first aid solution to small leaks, they won’t be able to provide a permanent fix. That said, you may use DIY sealants to temporarily cover up a minor leak while planning for a long-term basement waterproofing solution.
DON’T ignore downspout problems. Make sure your downspouts are pouring water away from your home’s foundation. If they are releasing water against your foundation, this would create some serious problems sooner or later.
Stratum Structural Systems is a reputable company specializing in waterproofing and foundation repair services. Our team can also perform other related jobs, such as foundation piering, egress window installation concrete leveling and more. Call us at (314) 620-8153 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation.
