One of the most common problems in homes that have basements is water seeping inside and pooling on the floor. Several things cause a basement to get wet. Wet basements usually occur after heavy rains or during the winter months. In many cases, especially in older homes, there is not a foolproof answer to repair the problem. Several solutions are available to reduce the amount of moisture that comes into your home.
Instructions
1. Review the walls where the water enters the basement. Determine if the water is along a single wall entirely underground, along multiple walls or on one side of the house.
2. Check for cracks in the foundation walls. Apply a construction grade epoxy during the months walls remain dry, to seal up the cracks. Apply the epoxy with a caulking gun. Squeeze the epoxy deep into the cracks to create a tight bond.
3. Repair or replace damaged gutters to prevent water from pooling next to your house. Gutters are often the main source of the problem because they lead to drainage issues. Place cement splash pads under downspouts to carry water away at least five feet away from your foundation.
4. Create a slope away from the outside foundation of your home. Add dirt next to the outside basement wall so that is slopes down two inches for every foot. Create a gentle slope away from your home's foundation to prevent water from pooling.
5. Apply a layer of waterproofing on the inside of your basement walls. Spray the waterproofing in an even application. Hold the spray at least 10 inches away from the basement walls and spray from side-to-side until the wall is covered. Spray one wall at a time. Allow it to dry completely for two to three days before spraying another wall. Spray waterproofing in the dry months to ensure a secure bond.
6. Hire a professional to inject an external waterproofing around the surface of your foundation if all else fails. The waterproofing seals up areas underground that allows water seepage.
Related Posts:
Soundproof Your Cubicle
Wedge foam panels aid in noise reduction through absorption of sound.Cubicles in an office add a sense of privacy and allow workers to communicate without having to leave their offices or go far f...
The Best Way To Dehumidify The Basement
Your basement can be a dry area again.Basements are, unfortunately, often prone to moisture and humidity. In some cases, this can lead to issues with mold, mildew and a foul, musty odor. To help p...
Unclog A Basement Floor Drain
There's nothing worse than finding your basement floor drain has clogged and there's water everywhere. You can usually take care of the problem yourself without calling a plumber. Try the followin...
Operate A Water Softener
Operate a Water SoftenerThankfully for those of us who own one, learning operate a water softener is very straightforward. Of course there will be variations based on the specific brand and model;...
Drainage Ideas For Downspouts
A properly installed downspout directs the water away from the home.Providing proper drainage for your home's downspouts is the best defense against a wet basement. Downspouts direct the water fro...