Of all home with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage. Knowing this, it’s important to remember not only what you can do indoors to prevent water damage, but outdoors as well. In fact, there are more ways than you think that provide your home with extra protection, and you, peace of mind. Without further ado, here are just a few outdoor tips to help you prevent basement flooding.
Always Disconnect Hoses
Many people aren’t aware of this, but it’s a real possibility. If you don’t disconnect your hoses after you’re finished using them, the backed up water could freeze and expand to create an ice block. It could stop your water flow completely, or at its worst, it could even burst your pipes and cause water damage to your floors, walls, and foundation. Needless to say, take the time to disconnect hoses outside when you’re finished using them.
Check Downspouts and Gutters
Most people do know that it’s important to keep your gutters and downspouts clear, but what they may not know is how often to check on them.
“Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof, and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation.
Plants should be placed a minimum of two feet from the foundation and low enough in the soil so as not to direct water toward the foundation…Don’t forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home,” writes Claudia McClain on Angie’s List.
Ensure Proper Sloping
Finally, making sure your home is at a proper slope is also helpful to deter water. Typically, the soil around home foundations should slope at least six inches for every 10 horizontal feet.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), floods are the number one disaster in America, averaging over $3 billion in claims per year. While these tips can prevent the likelihood of basement flooding, they aren’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s often best to invest in foundation repair services or even a full foundation sealing. For more information about foundation sealing and other methods for fixing basement leaks, contact The Real Seal LLC.
