How do I get a Dry Basement?

Before any reparations to your basement can be made, the area must be completely dry. Not only will drying your basement result in a clean and enjoyable area, but you will also effectively eliminate any mold or mildew that might be hidden from sight. The best way to create a dry basement space is to find the root of the problem, which can be easier said than done.

A wet basement can be caused by a number of different things. Concrete cracks, condensation, and plumbing leaks are the main causes of a wet basement. Search for foundation cracks, inside and out, condensation that may be forming near windows or other areas, and pipes that may be leaking. When you have solved this problem, you can then focus on creating a dry basement space.

Waterproofing your basement is the best way to create a dry basement. This involves adding a sub-floor drainage system to your basement. While this method does tend to work well, a professional contractor will have to determine whether or not waterproofing is the best option for your home.

If you don't want to call a contractor, there are a couple of things that you can do on your own to ensure a dry basement. First, make sure that the ground surrounding your home is sloped away from your basement area. Water must be able to flow away from your house, not towards it, all all times. Should the ground outside of your home slope towards your house, then you may want to excavate this area.

Next, be sure that your gutters are clean at all times. This is a simple way to keep your basement dry, yet gutters are often neglected. Cleaning any debris from gutters is easy to do with a specialized gutter cleaning tool. Another thing that can be done to create a dry basement area is to caulk any windows and doors that may not be properly sealed.

Over time, your home's caulking will begin to disintegrate. Loose caulking can allow water to seep into your basement. This problem can be fixed by purchasing a caulking gun at a local hardware store. Lastly, think about investing in a sump pump. These pumps draw water away from certain areas of your basement. All of the techniques mentioned above should create a dry basement area. If you cannot seem to keep your basement dry, it is best to call a professional contractor who specializes in basement moisture problems.