Recent devastating natural disasters have caused countless Americans to lose their homes. While Chicago residents may not have to worry about hurricane damage, that doesn’t mean they don’t need to safeguard their property from storms. Hurricane rains can obviously be devastating, but snow and ice can wreak havoc, too.
Consider a yard drainage system
You can do plenty to waterproof your basement from the inside, but it won’t always do much good if you don’t also address the outside. Homes that are situated in lower areas are especially prone to issues with water flow. You can make changes to your yard’s natural drainage direction by installing a drainage system that directs water away from your home, rather than towards it. If you’ve had issues with soggy yards or wet basements in the past, you should contact a basement waterproofing expert to assess your situation and create a plan for a drainage system.
Clean out your gutters
Gutter cleaning can be a pain, but it serves a very important purpose. Clogged gutters will keep water from flowing the way it should and can damage your roof and siding. It can also cause water to leak and seep into your foundation (and therefore, your basement). Be sure to clean out your gutters at least twice a year and have them inspected for any damages before harsh weather arrives.
Install or test sump pumps
A sump pump ensures that any water that does happen to find its way into your basement can be eliminated quickly. If you don’t yet have a sump pump, get one installed right away. And if you do already have one, test it to make sure it works and get a backup sump pump that runs on battery power, rather than electricity, so your basement will stay dry even in the event of a power outage.
Examine and repair your home
Now that you’ve taken all these precautions, you can determine whether you need basement foundation repair . Repairing foundation cracks is an essential part of preventing basement flooding. After all, if your basement has vulnerabilities like these, your other efforts won’t pay off. Call in a professional to examine your foundation and basement walls. If this professional finds you need basement foundation repair, have this done right away. Otherwise, you’ll probably be in big trouble if a big storm rolls through.
We all know that you can’t stop a natural disaster. But by fixing leaks in basement walls, installing drainage systems and sump pumps, and keeping up with home maintenance, you may be able to minimize or even prevent storm damage. If you need basement foundation repair or want to find out more about protecting your home from the elements, contact us today.
