When our Michigan summers remain dry and warm, we have the best chance of keeping up with basement waterproofing maintenance during this season. Knowing that your basement is not susceptible to leaks and damage during these months is critical for preparing it for the upcoming wetter seasons. Regardless if your basement has ever needed waterproofing before, summer is the time to check around for any cracks, holes, leaks, and other foundation damage.
What should you be looking for you in your basement when it is dry? Tom’s Basement Waterproofing has a few measures that we feel are best to handle when the weather is warm and free of rain.
Keep Your Basement Dry
- Waterproof – What better time to finally waterproof your basement then right now? If you know that your basement is prone to leaks and flooding, and have been putting off the basement waterproofing process, now is the best time to invest in your home. The dryer the conditions, the more quickly we can complete the basement waterproofing process.
- Install flood sensors – Just like your other home alarm sensors, check with your alarm provider to see if they have flood sensors or alarms that can be installed in your basement. These specialized alarms are extremely beneficial, especially when we are blindsided by rain during the summer.
- Purchase flood insurance – Due to the flooding disasters last summer, many homeowners have been able to purchase flood insurance for their homes and properties. While this wasn’t as accessible for all Michigan homeowners before, it certainly is something worth looking into, in order to prepare for the worst.
We are also prone to many Michigan summer storms during the warmer months. These storms produce heavy rainfall in a quick succession, and can be extremely dangerous for basements. Typically, we see an equal mix of both weather patterns, which is why it is always good to prepared for the worst in your home.
How can you prepare your home for summer storms? Tom’s Basement Waterproofing has put together a comprehensive checklist that you can apply towards any wet weather.
- Get items off the floor – Place as much as you can on shelves and ledges, in order to minimize damage to property that is sitting on the ground.
- Unplug your electrics – If you know a storm is around the corner, unplugging your appliances and electric items in your basement is a good precautionary measure. The last thing you want to do is attempt to turn off electricity when it is already wet in your basement.
- Check your sump pump – If you have installed a sump pump in your basement, make sure it is working properly, and that is free of any surrounding debris.
- Clean your home’s exterior – This includes removing gunk and debris from your gutters and downspouts. When water can flow freely though these areas, you’re less likely to experience flooding in your basement.
- Inspect your foundation – Take the time before a storm to check for any last minute cracks or leaks that may be showing up in your walls. If you notice something that looks problematic, make sure to give us a call as soon as possible.