Is your basement wet? Are you wondering why it accumulates moisture? Where is the dampness coming from? Well, it does not matter. It would be best if you did not leave your wet basement as is. You’ve got to do something about it as soon as possible.
If moisture is getting into your basement, it might be due to exterior problems. However, most of the time, it is due to foundation issues.
Reasons Not to Ignore a Wet Basement
If you find water inside your basement, you should expect it to flood whenever there’s heavy rain. Aside from that, a wet basement can be an indication of severe foundation issues. If you’re using your basement as a living space, you can lose personal belongings, electronics, and furniture due to water damage. Furthermore, wet basements can also lead to:
- Allergens
- Musty smells
- Mold
It can be an indication of foundation damage as well. This will put you at risk for flooding during heavy rain.
Because of this, you have to fix your basement right away. Should you do it on your own? The answer is yes. However, if the damage is already severe, you will need the help of professional basement waterproofing contractors.
Fixing a Wet Basement on Your Own
If the damage is not yet severe, there are many DIY solutions to help you fix your wet basement. However, you should keep in mind that these solutions are only temporary. For a permanent fix, you’ll need professional help.
- Unclog Footing Drains
The pipes that homebuilders install underground during construction are called footing drains. Their purpose is to direct water away from the foundation. You should look for a drain in your basement floor to know if you’ve got footing drains. Waste, such as oil and hair can clog the line. You can use a snake auger to get rid of the clog.
- Reshape Your Landscaping
Water will flow towards your house and accumulate near the walls if your landscaping slopes toward your basement. To prevent this, you can create a swale. This is a shallow and wide ditch that will collect water and direct it away from your house. You can also create a berm. This is a dirt mound that will direct away water from particular areas. The ground around your walls should slope away from it.
- Plug Gaps
You can use hydraulic cement polyurethane caulk to plug the openings if you notice moisture or water leaking through cracks. Aside from that, it would help if you also plugged leaks around pipes.
However, if the water is coming from the cove joint or floor, plugging won’t solve the problem. You’ll need the help of an expert.
- Splash Guards and Gutter Extensions
You can install gutter extensions next to your downspout. This will help you direct water away from your home. On the other hand, splash guards stop water from overshooting the gutter. It would help if you considered installing it as well.
These are the simple solutions you can use for your wet basements. However, they aren’t permanent. With professional waterproofing services, you can have a dry basement permanently.
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