No homeowner wants water in their home. Water can cause so many problems, and if you aren’t quick to fix the problem then the entire structure of your house can be jeopardized. Before you can even go about looking into home waterproofing solutions, it is important to know exactly where the water is coming from.
There are a few causes of wet basements. Here we explain some problems we see frequently and common measures for waterproofing basements you can take to overcome them.
When you plant near your home, it is crucial to pay attention to the sloping of your land so water doesn’t flow right into your foundation. Plus, the soil next to the house is often back-filled because there isn’t proper compaction, resulting in water compacting against the foundation walls.
The fix: As a rule of thumb, the soil around home foundations should slope at least six inches for every 10 horizontal feet.
The problem: Defective window wells
The point of a window well is to provide light to your basement. But when these window wells are improperly installed, they can have a lot of water drainage problems and push water towards the house rather than away from it.
The fix: Ensure proper drainage by filling the window with coarse aggregate. If you are unsure if your window well is installed correctly, don’t hesitate to contact a basement waterproofing company to get things checked out.
The problem: A faulty gutter system
Your gutters are there to spew water away from your home, and if they are faulty the water can seep down your walls and pool around your foundation.
The fix: Preventative maintenance is key. Always make sure to clean out your gutters on a regular basis, or even go the extra step and invest in a gutter shield to prevent leaves and branches from collecting in them in the first place. Also, make sure to periodically check that your downspouts are pointed away from your home.
There are plenty of reasons why your basement is wet, but with the help of a professional, you’ll be able to find the correct waterproofing basement solution for your home. Don’t know where to start? Call us today and we will start the process of getting your home dry.
