Keeping Basement Walls in Top Condition

It’s pretty exciting to be decorating and beautifying the walls of our homes; unfortunately, we don’t usually pay a lot of attention to our basement walls. Left neglected, basement walls can suffer from damages like leaks and moulds, reducing the value of our own houses as well as the level of safety within them.

Fixing basement walls, however, isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Here are a few simple tips to keep them strong and sturdy, not damp and decrepit.

Check the source of moisture. We all know what the weather in Chicago Metropolitan Area is like. The best way to cope with unpredictability is to be prepared. So check your rain gutters. Are they functioning properly? Are the downspouts clear and open? To carry or direct water away from the foundation, make sure you use long leaders or downspout extensions. If it’s possible, slope the ground around the wall.

Seal. Damp walls can be fixed with something as simple as a seal on a crack or a gap. There are lots of sealing materials you can use – the ones with a caulking compound are recommended – which can fix masonry types of basement walls. If, however, problems persist, consult qualified professionals and home inspectors, as they’ll be more equipped to determine if you need more extensive waterproofing work.

Prevention is better than patchwork. Waterproofing contractors will have lots of advice and recommendations for you to be able to remove the water that seeps in basement walls. But you can get ahead by focusing on prevention efforts, and by keeping the water from infiltrating your walls in the first place. As mentioned above, carry or direct the water away from the foundation. That way, you won’t have to do a significant amount of patchwork.

Keep Reading and Check out these Articles:

1. Basement Remodeling
2. Home Additions
3. Controlling Water Penetration in Homes
4. Keeping Your Garage Door Safe
5. If These Basement Walls Could Talk