Seasonal clothing, furniture, photos and other items stored in the basement can quickly become a wet mess if water finds its way in. If a homeowner finds water in the basement, even once, it’s time to hire a contractor who can provide them with a waterproof basement in Fairfax VA.
Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged downspouts and gutters can quickly lead to soil saturation. The water will work its way down through cracks in the basement wall, causing severe damage. Keeping gutters and downspouts clean may help, as may the installation of splash blocks that move water away from the foundation and the basement.
Basement Windows
Water may get into the basement through a broken or poorly sealed window. Repairing windows is a vital first step, and proper sealing can prevent water from getting into the basement. Finally, if the window wells fill up with water, installing covers might help.
Foundation Walls
Water can get into the basement through foundation cracks. When a homeowner sees a crack beginning to form, they should take action to prevent further damage and ensure a Waterproof Basement in Fairfax VA. A contractor can fill the cracks with epoxy and apply a sealant, and they can recommend further action if water has damaged the foundation.
Service Holes
In most homes, the foundation contains openings or holes for pipes, laundry exhaust, AC, gas and electrical wiring. If a home has these holes, a contractor can double check to ensure that they’re sealed on both sides. Silicon, caulk, epoxy or expanding foam can be used to create an airtight seal.
Condensation
Inadequate ventilation can cause condensation on cooled surfaces, particularly floors, walls and cold water piping. This is more likely to happen when the outside temperature is significantly higher or lower than the inside temperature.
If the basement feels moist, adding a dehumidifier in the summer or heating the room during winter can prevent condensation from forming. Insulating cold water piping can also prevent condensation in the basement.
Basement waterproofing may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it’s an important one. If water is still getting into the basement after these preventive measures are taken, the homeowner may need to check out website domain.