4 Waterproofing Solutions For A Flood-Prone Basement

Are you looking for a solution to protect your basement from flooding? Water damage not only damages the structure of your home, but it can also cause expensive repairs. Consider waterproofing your basement to prevent water infiltration. Here's what you need to know about effective ways to keep your basement dry. 

No one wants to deal with a flooded basement, but there is no one-and-done solution. Basement waterproofing is not accomplished by any one item but rather by several waterproofing methods working together to protect your home, including the following.

Gutters

Gutters are your first line of defense when preventing water from entering your home. Gutters and downspouts collect water from your roof and direct it away from the building, reducing your chances of flooding. To ensure your gutters are doing their job, check them regularly for any clogs or debris and make sure they're sloped properly to allow water to flow freely away from your home.

Proper Grading

The final grade of your home needs to slope away from the structure to divert water away. Check that you don't have any low spots around your home where water can collect and that downspouts are not depositing water directly against your foundation. Additionally, if your neighbor's property slopes towards yours, you may need to add additional grading or a French drain to your property to ensure you have sufficient water drainage from both properties.

Exterior Waterproofing

Exterior waterproofing is another key component of a solid waterproofing system. This method involves digging down to expose your foundation and applying a waterproof membrane on the outside walls of your house. The membrane creates an impermeable barrier between the foundation walls and the outside, preventing further leaks and seepage even during heavy rainstorms.

Sump Pump Installation

Finally, installing a sump pump is an excellent way to ensure that any water entering your basement is quickly drained away before it causes any damage. Your sump pump is located in a pit, sometimes called a crock, at the lowest point of your basement. As water collects, the sump pump forces it outside and away from your home.

Basement waterproofing combines grading, gutters and downspouts, exterior waterproofing, and sump pump installation. Each part helps protect your home, but together, they form an impenetrable solid barrier, significantly reducing the chances of flooding and keeping your basement dry year-round. If you experience flooding and want to learn more about protecting your home, contact your local basement waterproofing expert today.

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