Spring thaw and rain showers can bring with them their own set of issues for your home. The biggest problem for your home’s basement is flooding and leaks. Moisture in your basement can lead to mold and foundation issues in the long run.
Taking some preventative steps can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in home repairs. Here are a few things to check, maintain and repair to keep your basement free of water and moisture during spring thaw and summer storms.
Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning out gutters isn't anyone's favorite job, but in order to keep downspouts flowing freely, it has to be done. If it's not done properly, pooling water and moisture can seep into your foundation. Over time it can make its way through the basement walls and cause leaks.
Make sure downspouts are pointed away from your home and that water is flowing away from the foundation. If budget allows, consider installing a drainage system that connects all of your home’s downspouts to flexible drainage that'll carry water away from your home entirely. Here are 6 ideas for extending downspouts.
French Drains
As we mentioned before, landscape drainage is a great way to keep water away from the foundation of your home. French drains are perforated piping that is buried and surrounded by gravel. French drainage allows water to drain as it moves through soil and gravel. Exterior French drains can be installed around the foundation and tied into the rest of your drainage system. It'll help decrease the amount of water pooling around the base of your home.
Soil Grade
Perhaps one of the most important steps in keeping water from seeping into your basement is to keep soil pitched away from the foundation. Sloping the dirt, gravel or sand surrounding your home away from the structure prevents water from pooling next to the concrete foundation. Check the grade each spring and maintain it around the home. If grading has really deteriorated, consider hiring a professional landscaping company to regrade the perimeter of your home.
Sump Pump
Modern homes are often equipped with a sump pump in the basement, but for older builds, their drainage was primarily sent out to the sewer system. During heavy rain or spring thaw this water could be backed up and forced into the soil around the exterior of the home and cause flooding in low lying basements. Installing a sump pump into older basements allows water to be pumped away from the home and into a downspout or drainage system.
April showers will be here before you know it. Making sure your home is prepared for the rainy season will keep your basement clear from water issues like cracks or flooding.
