Your basement is your most prized possession. It’s where you store all of the things that are precious to you, it’s where you have your laundry room and kitchenette, and it gives an extra little bit of living space in a small home. But what happens when it gets flooded? This post will provide 09 ways to prevent basement waterproofing in Philadelphia so that this doesn’t happen to you!
To prevent?basement waterproofing in Philadelphia,?you must first understand the causes of basement flooding.??
1. Sump Pump
A?sump pump?is a device that sits in the lowest part of your basement and pumps out any extra water that accumulates down there. If you have a ground floor or “walkout” basement, this is an essential tool for keeping your basement from flooding. The low point of most basements is the furnace and water heater since they need to be next to an exterior wall. Even if you don’t have these appliances, it’s still essential for your sump pump to be installed in the lowest part of your basement so that it can pump out any excess water.
2. Grading
If you have a hill behind your house, make sure it’s completely flat. If any slopes go towards your home, then this could be where all the water from the driveway or yard flows into. Make sure that this is graded away from your house so that water can’t accumulate around it. The grading should also go downhill away from your foundation.
3. Landscaping
Keep any plants, hedges, etc., away from the foundation of your home. If you place anything between ground level and your basement window, this can be a great hiding spot for water to accumulate. Make sure that all landscaping is set at least six inches away from the exterior walls of your home.
4. Downspouts
Any excess water that accumulates on the ground should be channeled into a downspout that drains into an area away from your foundation. This can’t just be any old piece of pipe, though. An excellent way to ensure that this is done correctly is to have it drain onto concrete pavers, black stone, or something similar. This is done so that there’s absolutely no way for the water to be channeled into your house through cracks in the foundation or any other path. The pipe should be at least six feet away from your home, and it should never point towards your foundation.
5. Clean Out Your Gutters
A?clogged gutter?can cause a lot of damage. Not only will it guarantee that rainwater won’t be diverted away from your house, but it also provides a nice little hiding spot for leaves and other debris to start rotting. This is an excellent way for moisture to seep into your foundation and cause significant damage over time. Gutters should be cleared once a year at the very least.
6. Wash Your Windows
Washing your windows from the outside is an excellent way to prevent water from being trapped between your window and any grime that accumulates on the glass over time. A dirty window will stop any sunlight from reaching the basement, so washing them regularly would be a good idea anyway! If you have a walkout or ground-level basement, having a window in there can also help air out some of the dampness inside.
7. Make Sure Windows Are Well Insulated
A lot of basements have small windows that let in a little light but do nothing for ventilation purposes. There’s no reason not to insulate these windows since it’ll help keep the cost of your heating bills down while also ensuring that any moisture that accumulates on the inside or outside of your window is kept to a minimum.
8. Keep Your Basement Dry
One way to prevent a wet basement in Philadelphia is by not using it as a living space. That being said, there are plenty of other things you can do to ensure that any moisture from getting in doesn’t have time to accumulate and cause damage. When you get out of the shower, ensure you don’t leave the bathroom door open, so all the steam goes straight down into your basement level. The same goes for cooking. Don’t leave any pans unattended on the stove so that they don’t overflow and cause damage to your house. Keeping your basement dry is another way to prevent water from being an issue in the first place!
9. Check Your Pipes
Any pipe behind a wall or under a slab of concrete can be susceptible to water leakage over time. It may not seem like there’s any danger, but all it takes is for one crack to form, and gallons of water could be leaking out every day without you even knowing about it. If you have anything other than plastic PVC pipes, then make sure you check them once every year during the hot summer months when they’re most likely to expand (causing any cracks to widen) and when you can see if there’s any damage to them.
Wrap up:
These are just some of the ways you can prevent your basement from flooding in case it gets too much rain. If you’re looking for more information on things you can do to help your house stay somewhat dry, then check this website.
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