Posted on: October 27, 2017 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 1

Your home is your greatest asset that gives you a place where you can relax after a long day at work. Therefore, taking care of your property is crucial because it boosts its value and ensures that it is in excellent condition at all times. Basement repair and waterproofing is key for any home, and it involves relieving hydrostatic pressure and diverting water outside the foundation walls. Even though a professional can install a good waterproofing system and run a commercial dehumidifier, there are tips that homeowners can also use. Here are some of these waterproofing tips..

Prevent hydrostatic pressure

Hydrostatic pressure results from water buildup in the soil that surrounds your foundation. This pressure results in foundation cracks and creates water seepage and leaks. You can prevent the buildup of this pressure by maintaining downspouts and gutters. You should never allow broken irrigation, drain or gutter pipes to dump water close to the foundation. You should also keep snow piling, grade sloping and landscaping away from your foundation.

Conduct personal inspection

The biggest basement issues usually start small and develop over time if they are not fixed on time. Minor basement problems are affordable to fix and will take a smaller amount of time. Therefore, you should conduct the inspections on your own every couple of months. You can save lots of dollars by catching small cracks or water stains before they become big cracks and cause leaks with early basement repair services. If you’re not sure if the cracks are alarming or not, Granite Foundation Repair advises it’s best to hire the professionals to inspect the basement every now and then.

Carry out necessary repairs

Homeowners should maintain what they can do on their own. For example, they can clean the gutters, fix broken downspouts and regrade their landscaping so that it can slope away from the house. Homeowners that have a basement waterproofing system should also run a dehumidifier in their basement to guarantee that this system is running perfectly and not overworking.

Basement windows

Water can get into your basement through windows that are poorly sealed or broken. The first step is to ensure that any broken basement windows are repaired as soon as possible. Proper sealing will also help to prevent water from getting in through your windows. You can repair windows on your own or hire someone to do the repair works.

Flood insurance

If you reside in areas that are susceptible to flooding, it is advisable that you get a flood insurance plan. Investing in flood coverage will ensure that your assets are financially protected in the event of floods. Furthermore, you will always have peace of mind knowing that any damage caused by water will be restored through the insurance cover. Be sure to check the different packages available and choose one that suits your needs.

Water can also seep into your basements through cracks present in the foundation walls. To prevent additional water damage, immediate action should be taken when you spot cracks or fractures in your walls. You can fill up the cracks by applying a sealer or an epoxy. If the cracks reappear, then this is a sign of a bigger problem caused by water pressure around your foundation. You can consult with a basement repair contractor to get ideas on how you can prevent additional damage.

1 people reacted on this

  1. I never knew that hydrostatic pressure results from water buildup in the soil. My cousin’s basement flooded recently with no apparent reason, but this article makes a lot of sense while explaining how that could happen. I would recommend anyone that is at risk of getting their basement flooding to contact a waterproofing specialist ahead of time.

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