This spring and summer has made way for ample amounts of rainfall, and possibly creating worry for some homeowners. Heavy and fast rainfall can lead to basement flooding problems and water damage. With mold, mildew, and other harmful materials growing in your basement due to water damage, the costs start adding up fast. A survey of basement waterproofing showed that in a 1,000 square foot home, with only a couple of inches of flooding in the basement, led to nearly $10,000 in damage costs. There are a few things you can do to help prepare yourself for a flooded basement, and save you time and money:
- Make sure all windows and vents are sealed, to eliminate cracks and leakage.
- Downspouts and gutters should be facing away from the house, and the runoff shouldn’t lead back to your foundation. Likewise, clean regularly to make sure they aren’t becoming clogged.
- Place all valuable items elsewhere, so they don’t become damaged from potential basement moisture or flooding. Additionally, keep as many items off the floor as possible.
- Make sure your electrical outlets and plugs are on a higher area of the basement, as to not cause shortages if or when water is exposed.
- Plants and foliage should be planted at least 1 foot away from the foundation of your home. This will help alleviate runoff back to your home, when you’re watering them.
If you’ve taken care of everything on the list, but are still worried about your home and it’s potential for basement flooding, it’s time to call the professionals. Here is a list of who to call, when you’re looking to protect certain areas of your home and basement:
- Installation of sump pumps and French Drains: When you’re looking to place in new hardware to help eliminate water, the professionals at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing are here to help.
- Foundation issues: Tom’s Basement Waterproofing is also the expert on foundation crack and foundation repair. We can fix any cracks or damages incurred on your foundation, so that your basement doesn’t suffer.
- Windows and Vents: If you notice that your windows are not sealed properly, you may need to look into a window installer to help assist you in this process.
- Over Saturated Soil: If you think that runoff or oversaturation is a problem around your home, look to landscaping experts. They can help guide you in a plan that will make your lawn and garden work towards protecting your home from water damage.
- Plumbing: If you notice that your basement leakage or exposed water is actually in the pipes, a licensed plumber should be your first call.