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Common Basement Waterproofing Problems And How To Solve Them

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If you are a homeowner, a wet basement can be a major problem. You might have items that are valuable stored downstairs and having a flood in your basement every time that it rains could cause major financial and physical damage. Here are some common basement waterproofing problems and how to solve them.

1. You don't know if the water that you're finding in your basement is a result of condensation or flooding

One common problem that homeowners have is finding their basement wet but not being sure if it's just condensation or if it's water coming in from the ground around the basement. You don't want to call a waterproofing repair center if it is just condensation because you will be wasting your time and money. One way to check to see if the water you're finding in your basement is a result of condensation is to take a piece of aluminum foil and tape it to one of the walls that you frequently find wet. Make sure that you use tape that will not let water in and tape all four sides so that water cannot possibly get in or out. 

Wait a few days and then check the piece of aluminum foil. If the outside of the foil is wet, then the water that you find in your basement is a result of condensation. If the inside, or the side of the aluminum facing the wall, is wet, then the water is coming in from the outside.

2. Water is collecting near the house when it rains and is soaking through the ground into the basement

If you are having this problem, then you need to check your gutter system. If you don't have a gutter system, install one. If you do and your'e still getting this problem, then water might be getting stopped up and overflowing your gutters. Check your gutters for obstacles to free water flow, such as twigs and dirt. Anywhere you find these locations, install a wire cover over them so that the rain can still get through but the leaves cannot. Make sure that the cover is sloping so that the leaves fall off when they hit it. Commit to clearing these gutter covers regularly. One common problem spot where there can be a lot of debris is near trees.

For more information, talk to a company that specializes in basement waterproofing. They will be able to help you once you have assessed that the problem is not condensation but water seeping in from the ground. To learn more, contact a company like Safe-Guard Waterproofing.


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