These days everyone seems to be on a tight budget and more and more people are purchasing so-called “fixer-upper homes”˳ Have you recently purchased a home that needs some work? Once you move into your home you realize there are moisture issues in your basement˳ One day you may decide you want to finish your basement, but your budget won’t allow you to make a major renovation˳ For the safety of you and your family, you have to rid the space of moisture and dampness˳
Issues with Moisture
Most homeowners don’t realize their basement has issues with moisture until they see mold or mildew growing in the space, or detect foul odors and smells˳ Some symptoms of moisture include moist or clammy cement walls, cement floors, water seepage, bad smells, odors, or puddles of water˳ The walls and floors could also feel cold depending on the time of year, but the walls and floors in your basement should never feel moist˳
Rain Gutters
Consider installing rain gutters as a precautionary measure against rain water accumulating along the foundation of your home˳ Rain gutters are very important in effort to keep rainfall away from the walls of your foundation˳ In addition, they help to achieve a dry environment free of odors, mold and mildew˳
Although rain gutters can spill out, leak and run over, they are beneficial˳ The results are far preferred in comparison to the puddles of water that can develop and seep through the concrete foundation˳
If you choose to install rain gutters, it is very important to perform regularly scheduled maintenance and cleanings to ensure the gutters do not become filled with dirt and leaves˳
Landscaping
The landscaping around your home is more important than you think˳ By simply sloping the ground around the foundation of your home to a 20% angle, you will find the rainfall and groundwater freely flowing away from your home– in other words, protecting against the effects of water damage˳
Weatherize Doors and Windows
When we think of the doors and windows of our homes, we often overlook the high amount of moisture we allow to enter into the home˳ There is an answer˳ Caulking is the most effective way to weatherproof the doors and windows of your˳
With a simple tube of inexpensive caulking, you can help protect your home against unwanted moisture˳ This process should be completed routinely, about twice a year˳ There are also additional weatherproofing sealants on the market that are specially formulated and designed to better protect your home˳
Leaky Spigots and Pipes
Most homeowners overlook the fact that an indoor or outdoor spigot that drips or leaks can add unwanted moisture to your home˳ Slightly leaking pipes is another common problem in basements that can and will create moisture in your basement˳ As a result, these little-leakers can cause mold, mildew, foul smells and odors˳
If you discover a drip or leak– fix it! Always contact a professional plumber to repair the leak before it gets too big, and before the moisture has time to develop in your basement˳ It is far less expensive to repair drips or leaks than it is to repair or replace your foundation˳ Unfortunately, moisture can develop in a short amount of time˳ So get to the repairs as soon as possible˳
Install a Drain
Installing a drain is a great investment that is easily installed around the foundation of your home˳ This will allow ground or rainwater to freely flow away from your foundation– protecting it from water seepage or damage˳
A drain is a small ditch dug around your foundation, covered with gravel that redirects rain and ground water away from your foundation, protecting it and saving you money˳
Solution
Waterproofing is a great decision for any homeowner-whether your basement is finished or not!
Source by https://ezinearticles˳com/?Instructions-to-Waterproof-Your-Basement&id=6314030
