Your house can only be as strong as its concrete foundation. Neglect yours and it will fall apart and allow water into your basement or crawl space. Moisture will set the stage for mold growth, wood rot, and other problems. To keep your foundation intact and healthy, it’s important to protect it from water from the outside and inside.
Water and moisture infiltration can trigger cracks, which can weaken the foundation and render your home unsafe. If your foundation gets compromised by water, you could be forced to undertake costly repairs.
Waterproofing the Foundation
There are a variety of things you can do to protect your foundation from potential leaks and water damage. Here are the most effective measures.
Maintain the Gutters
The gutters on your roof play a vital role in keeping the foundation dry and your house structurally sound. So, check and ensure that the gutters are functional. Clear gunk, leaves, and debris as these could impede water flow. With nowhere to go, water will flow through the sides and pool around your home’s perimeter. This is a recipe for foundation damage and water issues.
Extend the Downspouts
Even if the gutter is intact or functional, you may still end up with a water pool if downspouts aren’t discharging water far out. Make sure the gutters extend for at least 10 feet from your home. If the downspouts are short, buy downspout extensions that can move water away from the foundation. You also can have these lines placed in the ground.
Slope the Ground
Another measure you can take to stop backflow is to ensure your lawn slopes by five percent all-around your home. Re-grading the lawn will improve drainage. Water will flow out and not back up around your home’s foundation.
Pay Attention to Your Landscaping
If you have overgrown trees, cut them down. Their roots can snake their way into the soil under and around your foundation and compromise its structure. Roots will suck water from foundation soil, causing it to crumble or shift. Make sure trees, shrubbery, and garden plants stand at least 20 feet away from your home’s perimeter.
Install Window Well Covers
Your basement also needs protection from rainwater. Without window well covers, water can pool around the window system and seep through the windows. It can also penetrate the foundation and lead to basement flooding. Window well covers will keep water out of the system and avert water damage.
Seal Foundation Cracks
With time, foundations settle and crack. The gaps and crevices that form can let in water, which can damage your basement or crawl space and its contents. You can fix this problem by sealing the crack as soon as possible. Don’t attempt a DIY fix. Let experts handle the job as they know what works and what doesn’t when sealing foundation cracks.
Install Interior Waterproofing Measures
Your best efforts to keep the foundation water-free from the outside mean nothing if you don’t address the issue of groundwater in the basement or crawl space. Whether from leaks, pipes, or condensation, moisture and water will cause problems. You can protect your foundation and basement or crawl space from water damage by installing an interior drainage system and a sump pump. Any water that leaks inside will be caught by the interior drainage system, and it will then be directed to a sump pump that will effectively remove it from the home before it causes any harm.
When Do I Waterproof My Foundation?
Timing matters when it comes to planning, repairing, and waterproofing the foundation. The prevailing weather may affect variables such as moisture, air temperature, and surface temperature. All these will determine how fast your foundation will cure.
Summer is generally regarded as the best time to seal the foundation. The soil is loose and easy to excavate. Sunlight is also abundant, and this makes inspection easy. Since there’s no moisture, waterproofing solutions bed in fast.
If you’re looking for foundation waterproofing or professional advice, get in touch with the experts at Innovative Basement Authority. Our crew will provide you with a free inspection and repair quote and recommend measures that will keep water out of your foundation.
