Does your new house have a basement? Or have you got an old property with a history of flooding? A basement can be a great addition to a home, but potential leaks, flooding and damp might make it worth taking these additional steps to future-proof it from damage.
5 Ways To Future-Proof Your Basement
Check For Leaking Pipes
If your basement is a flood risk, check for leaky pipes to rule it out as a cause. You might have a leaky pipe if there is mold or damp in the basement, dark, or wet stains on walls or floors, or the odor of rank sitting water in the room. The easiest way to check is by looking at the exposed pipework in your basement, although you may need to call out a plumber if there is no obvious leak but you can hear dripping.
Install A Sump Pump
A decent drain on its own is not enough to prevent flooding in your basement. A sump pump is a pump that acts as a back-up to your drainage system if it is overwhelmed, pumping water out of your drains and a safe distance away from your foundations. A sump pump company will have expertise in installing these types of pumps, and can advise on whether you should have one in your home.
Check For Cracks In Internal & External Walls
Your basement might be exposed to the elements through cracks in external windows and doors. It is also worth checking your internal walls and even floors to see if there’s any way that water can get through. If you do identify cracks or holes in walls, as a temporary measure you can use waterproof caulk to plug up any gaps, and then use a waterproof paint to cover all surfaces and make sure your basement is protected. Be sure to clear any mold or debris beforehand though, or waterproofing won’t be as effective and spores will simply be trapped in the paint.
If your basement is a flood risk, check for leaky pipes to rule it out as a cause. You might have a leaky pipe if there is mold or damp in the basement, dark, or wet stains on walls or floors, or the odor of rank sitting water in the room. The easiest way to check is by looking at the exposed pipework in your basement, although you may need to call out a plumber if there is no obvious leak but you can hear dripping.
Install A Sump Pump
A decent drain on its own is not enough to prevent flooding in your basement. A sump pump is a pump that acts as a back-up to your drainage system if it is overwhelmed, pumping water out of your drains and a safe distance away from your foundations. A sump pump company will have expertise in installing these types of pumps, and can advise on whether you should have one in your home.
Check For Cracks In Internal & External Walls
Your basement might be exposed to the elements through cracks in external windows and doors. It is also worth checking your internal walls and even floors to see if there’s any way that water can get through. If you do identify cracks or holes in walls, as a temporary measure you can use waterproof caulk to plug up any gaps, and then use a waterproof paint to cover all surfaces and make sure your basement is protected. Be sure to clear any mold or debris beforehand though, or waterproofing won’t be as effective and spores will simply be trapped in the paint.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
If you can’t find the source of damp, mold, or leaks, you might find that your basement doesn’t have proper insulation. There are a number of mechanical ventilation methods to help air circulate in your home, such as fans and window air conditioners. If your basement doesn’t have windows, then ensure that anything that generates heat is removed from the basement wherever possible.
Check Your Gutters
Over time, gutters can be filled with leaves, dirt, and debris, and become blocked. This may mean that your gutter overflows and leaks into your foundations, causing damp and flooding. If your gutter isn’t blocked, check where the downspout is, as there might be a risk it is leaking into your foundations. Wherever possible, divert gutter downspouts so they are at least 3 feet away from your property.
If you can’t find the source of damp, mold, or leaks, you might find that your basement doesn’t have proper insulation. There are a number of mechanical ventilation methods to help air circulate in your home, such as fans and window air conditioners. If your basement doesn’t have windows, then ensure that anything that generates heat is removed from the basement wherever possible.
Check Your Gutters
Over time, gutters can be filled with leaves, dirt, and debris, and become blocked. This may mean that your gutter overflows and leaks into your foundations, causing damp and flooding. If your gutter isn’t blocked, check where the downspout is, as there might be a risk it is leaking into your foundations. Wherever possible, divert gutter downspouts so they are at least 3 feet away from your property.
Conclusion
Future-proof your basement with these five simple steps. Conduct a search for mold, damp or dark stains, and see if you can identify a leaking pipe. If not, there may be cracks in your walls or floors where water is leaking through. A final practical check you can conduct is making sure your gutter downspouts are 3 ft away from the home and are not blocked. If in doubt, install mechanical ventilation and a sump pump to avoid floods and condensation in future.
Future-proof your basement with these five simple steps. Conduct a search for mold, damp or dark stains, and see if you can identify a leaking pipe. If not, there may be cracks in your walls or floors where water is leaking through. A final practical check you can conduct is making sure your gutter downspouts are 3 ft away from the home and are not blocked. If in doubt, install mechanical ventilation and a sump pump to avoid floods and condensation in future.
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