Keep Your Basement Up To Date

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Historically, many basements were dark dingy places, but have since evolved to be considered great additional living space like home theaters, gyms, playrooms, offices, bedrooms, etc. They have always housed home mechanicals like furnaces and water heaters, but the potential for flooding continues to be a concern.

 A home's mechanicals are vital and expensive. The rising threats of flooding from exposure, revised flood zone mapping and flash flooding make below-grade areas for housing less attractive and expensive equipment less practical. It only takes one exposed point of entry to cause water intrusion.

Here are some things to do to reduce the potential for basement flooding:

1. Keep gutters clean. They divert water away from the foundation of your home. Install gutter guards to prevent debris build-up from leaves.

2.  Install downspout extensions to further divert water runoff away from the house.

3.  Seal your basement. Even small cracks and holes pose a leak threat.

4.  Elevation always helps: re-grade the exterior land to encourage water to flow away from the home.

5.  Remove big plants/trees too close to the house as their roots may crack your foundation.

6.  Install a backwater valve that closes off drains to municipal sewer lines.

7.  Install French drains that absorb and divert water.

8.  Install a sump pump with a battery backup.

Prevention is almost ALWAYS cheaper than the cure. If you make an investment in your basement now to curb future risks, you could be saving yourself money and headaches! If you need a recommendation for gutter cleaning, foundation crack sealing or a landscaper, don't hesitate to call Judy or Allyson. We are happy to connect you with our trusted vendors!