It’s tempting to avoid extra work by hoping for the best, but basement flooding should never be left to chance.
If you see stains or water lines on the walls of your basement, it means your home has been damaged by water in the past. Water damage causes about 23% of all homeowner property damage in the US, and the unsightly stains can also develop mold and mildew, which are hazardous to humans and animals.
Inspect and test your sump pump regularly to avoid storm water damage, and look into new yard drainage solutions if it seems like the pump isn’t keeping the water out. Preventing water damage before it happens with good basement waterproofing systems is key, especially since it can cost $3,000-$5,000 to repair water damage once it’s happened.
If you live in a area at high risk for floods or heavy precipitation, it’s especially important to have well-maintained basement waterproofing systems. Not only will it keep your home dry, it will increase the amount of usable space in your home as well as the value of your home.
Basement waterproofing systems can include better erosion control, waterproof paint, careful landscaping and basement window fortification. Install efficient drainage systems to prevent water from pooling, and seal walls and windows to keep water from seeping in. A lot of this work is best left to a professional, since it’s hard for the average person to tell where water will come in before it happens.
Maintaining your waterproofing systems year round is ideal, but it’s also important to prepare for the worst just in case. If the forecast looks bad, make sure your systems are all in order and elevate expensive belongings to a table or higher floor just in case water gets in. Don’t install a carpet that will retain water or cost a lot of money to replace and store treasured items in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Ger more information on this topic here.