6 Things You Can Learn From Protecting your Basement From Moisture
Are you frustrated with having water in your basement? A wet basement isn’t just an inconvenient hassle for homeowners to deal with. It can pose real problems to your health, home, and property. Any form of moisture can result in harmful mold, damage to anything stored down there, or costly foundation repairs. Be ready for the rain with the following tips on how to keep your basement dry. Bam Basement Waterproofing has some tips for you to help.
Preventing Water leaking into Basement
Rain isn’t the only culprit when it comes to water problems in the basement. While rainwater and snowmelt are common sources of flooding and water leaking into the basement, there’s also the potential issues of subsurface seeping, humidity, condensation, poor ventilation, or a leaking pipe. If you notice a musty smell, mysterious cracks, or general dampness in your basement, you need to identify the source of the problem before you can solve it. If all looks well, follow these basement waterproofing tips to prevent a problem before it starts. This is how to keep a basement dry year-round.
Insulate your cold-water pipes. There are many good reasons to insulate any exposed water pipes in your basement. Insulating hot water pipes helps conserve energy by keeping your water heater from overworking. But insulating your cold-water pipes is also a smart move. Insulation can prevent your cold-water pipes from freezing when the temperature is at its lowest.
It also limits the condensation forming along them when the humidity is high. The basement is the most humid place in your home, and cold-water pipes will “sweat” as humidity increases. This sustained dampness in a dark, enclosed space presents ideal conditions for mold to grow.
Waterproofing Around Foundation
If your landscaping is causing water to accumulate around your foundation, that’s a problem. You want that water to be directed away by a downward slope. It may be the case that your home was built without this being considered, or this slope has changed over time. Keep an eye on your foundation wall during heavy rains. If water isn’t being effectively directed away, get some simple landscaping done to improve the grading. Fill in areas that are pulling water down toward your basement. Make sure you waterproof the foundation. Also, surrounding your foundation with gravel or small rocks is a strong measure to absorb unwanted moisture. If you need a foundation repair expert call BAM.
Improve Ventilation and Humidity
Excessive basement humidity can be a major source of mold growth, and cause moisture in basement. Take steps to control the humidity level by using a dehumidifier (or multiple dehumidifiers, if needed) and/or installing an exhaust fan. Make sure that your clothes dryer is properly venting air outside.
Waterproof Your Basement Walls and Floors
First, if you use your basement as a furnished living space, we strongly recommend that you take some steps to basement waterproof walls and floors. BAM Basements waterproofing system redirects water out before it even enters your basement. Our custom-tailored systems keep the water out of your basement and come with limited lifetime warranty.
If cracks are appearing in your basement floor, it could indicate a serious structural problem. However, most of these cracks don’t require serious foundation repair. If the cracks are heaving, that requires professional attention, as there could be cracks in the foundation. BAM offers professional foundation repair also.
Make Sure Gutters and Downspouts are Working Properly
Another important precaution is to make sure that your gutters and downspouts are working as an effective drainage system. Rainwater should be gathered and diverted away from your foundation. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris as often as possible. If working properly, your gutters and downspouts prevent all the rain and melting snow on your rooftop from just spilling over the edge down to the foundation. Downspout extensions can help keep puddles from gathering where they shouldn’t if the slope of the landscape isn’t doing its part.
Sump Pump Installation in Basement
One highly effective way to keep out unwanted moisture is to have a professional sump pump installation. This is another measure worth taking if you use your basement as a living space. Whether you use it as a workout room, an office, or a home bar and recreation room, you need to eliminate any possibility of flooding. Install a sump pump within a small basin or “sump pit” in a basement or crawl space. Water gathers at this low point and is pumped out and away from the home, keeping the surrounding area dry. This maximizes the comfort and safety of the space and minimizes the risk of mold growth, flooding, or structural damage.
Get the Most Out of Your Basement by Keeping the Moisture Out
Use these tips on how to keep a basement dry to avoid a moisture disaster. Keep an eye out for unwanted moisture in your basement. You can protect your home and property from costly damage. More importantly, get the most out of that space, taking advantage of it as another room in your home.
If you find yourself needing a professional waterproofing company, you can call BAM at 515-963-0226 or complete our online form. If you live in Des Moines or the surrounding area, contact BAM Basements and Masons for a free estimate. One of our experienced sales team advisors will evaluate your foundation condition. Once your sales team advisor has determined the causes and issues, they’ll review their findings and recommended options with you. As a team, you will decide on the ideal whole-home solution that is right for you to keep your home strong and healthy for years to come.
BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is your premier foundation repair company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona, Pleasant hill, Ames, Boone, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call. We can help you avoid costly and stressful foundation repair mistakes, by giving you a customized solution that’s going to work for you and your home long term. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is a professional and locally owned and operated state registered contractor. An affordable honest upfront pricing, no hidden costs.