Basement waterproofing is about prevention. It is more about water diversion and relieving hydrostatic pressure build-up in the soil outside the foundation walls. While a professional should install a waterproofing system, there are tips homeowners can do with basement waterproofing.
Prevent hydrostatic pressure
Homeowners can do a lot to prevent hydrostatic pressure. Again, hydrostatic pressure is water buildup in the soil around the foundation. This is the pressure that causes foundation cracks and creates water leaks and seepage.
Homeowners can do their part to prevent hydrostatic pressure by maintaining gutters and downspouts. Never let a broken gutter, irrigation, or drain pipes dump water right next to the foundation. Always keep landscaping and grade sloping away from the foundation. Make sure to keep the drainage in the yard draining away from the foundation as well. Don’t allow for snow to pile up next to the foundation. Come spring that snow will melt and drain right into the soil creating massive hydrostatic pressure.
Just do everything you can to keep the soil around the foundation as dry as you can. Do your part on the exterior and it will help protect the interior of your house. Remember, the outside drainage is your first line of defence for basement waterproofing.
Inspect it yourself
The biggest basement problems start out little. If the small problem was caught earlier and fixed right away it would have cost far less and remained a small fix. Take your basement waterproofing inspections into your own hands. Make sure you inspect the health of your foundation every couple of months if not more. By catching water stains or small cracks before they become massive cracks and leaks it will save you thousands of dollars fixing your foundation.
Watch for mould, mildew, or other signs of water issues. Is there a musty odour in the basement? Is it dank and wet? Make sure if you inspect your basement and catch the issue, then call a professional and get it taken care of. The problem will escalate. It will not go away on its own. And it will create very expensive problems if it is not fixed early on.
Maintain what you can on your own
Clean your gutters. Fix the broken downspouts. Regrade your landscaping to slope away from your house. Keep an eye on your sump pump and make sure it is working properly. If you have a basement waterproofing system you can also run a dehumidifier in the basement and make sure it is working properly. Keep the relative humidity levels at 50 per cent. Make sure it is not overworking.
Call us to assist you with the waterproofing services we offer.