Having a damp basement can be a major headache. Not only is it unpleasant to look at, but it can also cause serious damage to your home. If you're dealing with water seeping through your foundation walls and into your home from your roof, you need to take action. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to waterproof your basement and keep water out.
The first step is to use hydraulic cement to block the water that enters through the walls. This is a quick and easy solution that can be done without professional help. In some cases, the problem may be as simple as cleaning the gutters and diverting water away from the foundations. However, if the water is coming from other sources such as surface runoff, underground seepage, or municipal storm drains, you'll need to take more aggressive measures.
Here are eight strategies for keeping water out of your basement:
1.Install a Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device that pumps water out of your basement before it has a chance to accumulate. It's installed in a sump pit at the lowest point in your basement and is activated when the water level reaches a certain point.2.Install a French Drain
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or other porous material that collects water and diverts it away from your home. It's usually installed around the perimeter of your house and can be used in conjunction with a sump pump for maximum effectiveness.3.Install Exterior Drainage Systems
Exterior drainage systems are designed to collect surface runoff and divert it away from your home before it has a chance to enter your basement.These systems can include gutters, downspouts, and underground pipes.
4.Install Interior Drainage Systems
Interior drainage systems are designed to collect water that has already entered your basement and divert it away from your home. These systems can include interior drains, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers.5.Seal Cracks in Your Foundation
If you have cracks in your foundation walls, they should be sealed as soon as possible to prevent water from entering your basement. This can be done with hydraulic cement or other waterproofing materials.6.Install Window Well Covers
Window wells are designed to collect rainwater and divert it away from your home, but they can also become clogged with debris or filled with snow and ice in the winter months. Installing window well covers will help keep water out of your basement.7.Install Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are designed to collect rainwater from your roof and divert it away from your home.Make sure they are properly installed and maintained to ensure they are working properly.
