Start by waterproofing your basement with effective solutions, including interior drainage and a sump pump if you haven’t done so. Also, check for foundation cracks or openings around pipes that allow water to seep through and repair them. Pay attention to the floor and wall joints and seal all gaps between them as well. Install a dehumidifier to dry out the basement air, as excess moisture will cause wood rot and other problems.
Once you do this, then do the following.
Eliminate all the water threats on the outside by cleaning and repairing your gutters. Ensure downspouts are all intact and extend at least four feet away from your home’s perimeter. Downspouts that discharge rainwater close to your home can introduce water into the basement. Also, the downspouts can be connected to underground pipes.
Re-grading the soil in your yard (so it slopes away) also prevents rainwater from collecting around the foundation walls. Trim all overgrown or bushy trees, as they can instigate leaks and impede water drainage.
Apply caulk to your doors, windows, ducts, roof flashings, and other areas. It’s a simple and economical waterproofing measure. Seal cracks around pipe openings with a fast-drying sealant. Use a multipurpose, paintable, and flexible caulk with fungicide. Once it cures, it will prohibit mold growth and build-up.
Wood surfaces like the trim, sidings, and decks must be sealed for water protection. You can apply wood sealer using a roller, sprayer, or brush. The best product is engineered to provide the benefits of both water-based and oil-based coatings. Such a hybrid sealant beads and waterproofs wood, allowing it to weather to a natural gray. Ensure the stairs’ wood is free of soot, dust, dirt, grease, and mildew.
Some homeowners worry about the possibility of water flowing right into their homes via hatchway entrances or through garage doors. When we are confronted by this problem, we recommend a grated drain pipe system. It looks like a typical drainage pipe in the basement but with a half-round pipe and a grated top fitting. Spanning the base of the bottom of the stairs, this pipe arrests any water that flows over the drains and channels it to your sump pump.
You need to clean and degrease the area that needs to be sealed. These include concrete surfaces, stucco, stone, or brick stairs. A variety of masonry and concrete sealing products are available. Once the surface is clean, apply a concrete sealer. The best sealer is chip-resistant and prevents water damage, ensuring the concrete doesn’t crumble due to freeze-thaw cycles. If you have freshly poured concrete, wait for 30 days before you apply the concrete sealer.
If you have exterior stairs leading from the outside to the basement, these need some TLC as well. If your basement doesn’t have hatchway protection or canopy, you should look into having one installed. The cover will reduce the amount of rainwater that gets to the door. It will also prevent the drain opening from blocking, improving its performance. Don’t let moisture or water damage your investment. Sealing and waterproofing your stairs is relatively simple, and it goes a long way toward protecting this vital structure. Contact the experts at JES Foundation Repair for a free basement waterproofing inspection and quote. We will assess your basement and other fixtures and let you know how to protect them from moisture or water.
If you need help waterproofing your basement, call JES first! We’ll give your home a free inspection and estimate of repairs and/or proactive waterproofing measures.
We are one of the nation’s leading waterproofing experts, serving Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and the Outer Banks. Call us today!
Not necessarily. However, cracks, especially those that are widening or horizontal, can become entry points for moisture over time. Even if they’re not causing issues now, they might in the future. Regularly inspecting and addressing cracks early can prevent larger problems down the road. Contact JES Foundation Repair for an assessment of any cracks or potential vulnerabilities in your basement.
Yes, ensuring the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation can help prevent water buildup. It’s essential to keep gutters clean and ensure that downspouts direct water at least 5 to 10 feet away from the foundation. Proper landscaping can significantly reduce the risk of water intrusion.
It’s recommended to regularly check your basement for common problem signs, especially after heavy rainfalls or during seasons with increased precipitation. Monthly checks can help you spot early signs of water intrusion, allowing for timely intervention.
Groundworks Editorial Team
