A Dry Basement in 6 Steps

There is nothing more rewarding to your home than a dry basement. If your existing basement is free from leaks, cracks or condensation; it will be a much simpler task than a major basement remodeling effort. If your home has a dry basement, it is a much safer place to store clothes, children's toys and other priceless treasures.

Research has shown a dry basement is unreceptive to black mold, which is a substance that can be dangerous to both your health and your home. Black mold slowly eats away at the surface of your home, attacking both concrete and wood surfaces, as well as your health. Although many of us think it is impossible to get, have or keep a dry basement, avoiding a wet basement is a much easier task than one would think. Here are six simple steps to a dry basement.

Step 1

The rain gutters on your home are more important than you may think. Although rain gutters can not carry rain directly away from your home, and at times they tend to spill out and run over, their intent is to prevent rain from falling directly on your foundation. When rain falls near your foundation it creates puddles and over time it can seep into the concrete foundation of your home.

Step 2

Although it is not the simplest task to perform, it is suggested to keep the ground around your home's foundation in a sloped angle, allowing the water to run away from your home.

Step 3

It is best to not only try to keep your basement protected from the weather, but it is also a good idea to weatherproof your doors and windows. This can be achieved though a simple tube of caulking; twice a year is sufficient to reinforce them. However, one should have a more secure sealant.

Step 4

Consider placing a dehumidifier in your basement. Humidity in such a small, enclosed space can create condensation. Keeping a dehumidifier in your basement isn't going to solve all your problems, but it has been known to help if the moisture in your basement is coming from condensation and not seepage.

Step 5

If your house has an outdoor spigot, check for leaks. A dripping spigot can and will create a concrete-eroding puddle with very little effort. If you discover a leak, contact your local plumber and ask him to fix the leak; it is far less expensive than repairing your foundation.

Step 6

This may be the most important step of all. If you discover a leak, fix it. You will never achieve a dry basement if you constantly have leaks. Basement moisture comes from a variety of sources, but a leak can be relatively easy to spot.

A good basement waterproofing company will examine your basement and determine what type of leak you have, as well as recommend the best and most cost efficient way to fix it. Some waterproofing contractors give a free estimate, discuss your options and give you plenty of time to make the best decision.

Contact Basement Systems today to find a basement waterproofer near you. We offer free basement waterproofing estimates to homeowners all over the country.

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