Common Basement Problems and How To Prevent Them

A basement is a great asset to a home, but it’s not without some risk. Proper maintenance is crucial. Here are some common basement problems and how to prevent them.

The most common concern homeowners have about basements is flooding, and with good reason. We’ve all heard horror stories about flooded basements. This can not only ruin everything in your basement overnight — it can also damage your home’s foundation and lead to some very costly repairs.

If your basement is prone to flooding, you can install a sump pump. This device will be placed in the lowest spot of your basement floor, where it will draw up water and expel it safely through a hose or pipe to the yard. If your basement has a sump pump, make sure it’s in good working order. You can test it every month or so by pouring water into it. It should automatically begin pumping the water out of your basement. If the sump pump is installed professionally it will protect your home 24/7 and last for many years.

Another way to prevent flooding is to make sure the ground around your home is graded correctly. Negative grading means the soil slopes downward toward the foundation of your home. This leads to water pooling around your walls, which can create cracks in your foundation, which have to be professionally repaired. What you want is positive grading, with the ground sloped away from the house, which carries water away from your foundation. Clogged gutters compound this problem by pouring water on the ground outside your home instead of channeling it through your downspouts to the yard. Make sure your gutters are clear and properly installed.

Another common basement problem is mold and mildew. This will grow wherever there’s excess moisture, which can be the result of flooding, a burst pipe or even humid air from poor ventilation. Make sure your basement is well-ventilated. If the air seems excessively humid, you may need a dehumidifier. If there’s been a plumbing mishap or any sort of flooding, make sure the basement has been thoroughly dried out so mold won’t grow. If you’re not sure it has, have it professionally inspected.

If your basement isn’t properly sealed, it will not only let in excess moisture from outside. It can also let in various pests. This can include rodents, ants, roaches, and worst of all, termites. Look around your basement for rodent droppings, termite wings or other signs of pests and call a pest control service if necessary. The most important thing is having your basement professionally sealed to prevent further intrusions. Pests can carry disease as well as cause damage to your home.

Experts in Basement Waterproofing in Maryland

Budget Waterproofing has more than 55 years of experience in servicing commercial and residential customers throughout Maryland. Our Maryland waterproofing services range from foundation crack repair to sump pump installation and basement waterproofing. If you have moisture or humidity problems in your basement, Budget Waterproofing is your solution.