Dry Basement

A dry basement is often taken for granted until you start to experience signs of leakage. If you are like most homeowners, you may not worry about your basement until there is a leak but this could be a critical mistake. In most cases, the secret to a dry basement is to take preventative measures that stop leaks before they occur. These preventative measures can save you a great deal of money when compared to the price of fixing a leak that has already occurred. Leaks in a basement can occur in a number of places, including, but not limited to, the wall of the foundation, the joint between the floor and the walls, pre-existing cracks and stairwell leaks. A thorough dry basement system will work to ensure that all of these potential leakage locations are addressed in the preventative measures.

Preventative Measures to Maintain a Dry Basement

There are many preventative measures that can be taken to ensure a dry basement. The most elementary feature is proper drainage. First and foremost, the earth on your property should drain away from your house in order to prevent water from pooling around your foundation and eventually leading to leaks. Additionally, you can install a drainage system underneath the floor foundation to remove any water that trickles into this area. Installing this drainage system before problems occur will make it possible for the system to work to eliminate water before the standing water begins to cause damage that could lead to a leaky basement.

In addition to drainage systems, the power of waterproofing cannot be underestimated. Applying an industrial grade waterproofing substance around the entire foundation can go a long way to keeping water from penetrating the foundation and causing leaks in the basement. This sealant can help to repair any minor cracks in the foundation as well as prevent future leak locations. Another preventative measure that can help you maintain a dry basement is properly sealing all openings such as windows and stairwells. These locations are notoriously susceptible to leaks, but taking care to properly seal the perimeter of these openings can help to prevent leaks in these locations. These seals should be inspected periodically and may require replacement as needed.

Preventing vs. Fixing Leaks

A dry basement doesn't have to be a luxury. It is important to remember that there are a number of steps you can take to help to prevent leaks in your basement. It is also important to remember that you should take these preventative steps before leaks begin to appear because these preventative measures can be much less expensive than attempting repairs once leaks have sprung.