For any property owner residing in cities like the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill, basement moisture is the scariest of all masonry problems! With heavy rains and snowfall, basements get flooded and almost inaccessible. It not only causes inconveniences but also affects the integrity of the building’s foundation.
Additionally, moisture in the basement follows a musty odor, a stifling environment, molds, mildew, peeling or fading paint, and multiple health concerns. Overall, you do not experience a pleasant living condition. What should you do? Of course, basement leak repair Queens NY, is one of the most effective ways to prevent water seepage. But, there is more to it!
In this blog, we will learn the fundamental ways to avoid a leaky basement and what you must watch out for. So, here it goes.
Warding Off Basement Moisture: Things to Do
While water in your basement is worrying you, we have brought expert tips to help you prevent the circumstance. Check them out:
- Sealing Gaps- Gaps like cracks, crevices, and holes in your basement walls, floor, and roof are the foremost reason behind moisture intrusion. It is a predominant problem because masonry materials, whether brick or concrete, decay over time. Hence, material deterioration leads to cracks of all kinds. Also, surface tension and shifting of the soil are responsible for crevices. Therefore, it is essential to detect these flaws and conduct thorough basement wall leak repair to ward off water seepage.
- Appropriate Grading- Gradation is a significant aspect contributing to the overall health of a building. The soil around your foundation must be sloped away to ensure rainwater does not pool around the foundation. If the soil is not graded in the right direction, there is no stopping of standing water, which encourages infiltration. Call a professional to fix soil gradation issues.
- Clean Gutters- The gutters help in the easy flow of rainwater away from your property. Often, they become clogged due to debris, fallen twigs and leaves, etc. Clogging can disrupt water flow, naturally resulting in flooding. When the soil outside your basement contains excess water, it gets into the interiors through the walls and floor. However, a basement leak repair company can aid in cleaning and maintaining gutters for improved functionality.
- Install a Sump Pump- A sump pump is one of the best ways to remove basement water. It collects excess water and pumps it out from the basement. As a crucial component of the internal drainage system, a sump pump is quintessential for properties located in low-lying areas. It can improve water flow and prevent flooding.
- Use Waterproof Paint- No matter what waterproofing measures you take, never skip applying waterproof paint. It has an active role in sealing the surface pores and restricting moisture infiltration. Additionally, waterproof paint also adds life to your masonry structure.
- Repair Window Wells- Basements have window wells to let in natural light and air. But, if there are leaks or cracks, they become a good passageway for water intrusion. Hence, you must seal and repair leaking window lintels to ensure there is no scope for moisture getting into the interiors.
- Consider Dehumidifier- To reduce dampness due to poor ventilation, a dehumidifier is a great option. It can keep the moisture level down and ensure improved air quality. Also, it helps you get rid of the stifling ambience.
- Invest in a French Drain- As a part of the external drainage facility, a French drain installation can solve most of your water issues. You can install it anywhere on your property where water flow is disrupted.
Thus, you have multiple ways to avert basement moisture. The point is that you must take prompt action. Delays cause more damage.