Basement Draining Solutions
When your home has a basement, the concept of foundation damage goes to a whole new level. Heavy rain and snow can result in a flooded basement, while water collecting outside the home can cause problems with foundation walls.
That’s why homeowners with basements need to understand their options for basement draining solutions, plus follow key home maintenance tips that will keep their foundation safe and sound.
First, let’s talk about basement drainage solutions that work, and why they are so important. Basement drainage is an important part of keeping your home in good condition. When water pools in the basement, it can cause a wide range of problems including destroyed flooring, rotten baseboards and trim, and foundation instability.
Basement flooding can be the result of a wide range of problems, including heavy rain or snow, plumbing problems and poor exterior drainage. Typically, water enters the basement at the joint where the floor meets the wall.
There are several basement drainage solutions in the marketplace, including:
- Interior basement drainage systems, much like French drains, are installed under the basement floor along the perimeter of the foundation. This does not prevent water from coming into the basement. Instead, it catches water that seeps inside and channels it back out and away from the home. Water is collected and drained at the most common point of entry, which is below the slab. That way, water is drained away before it can rise to the point where the wall and floor of the basement meet. The basement is kept dry, and water damage is prevented.
- Exterior basement drainage systems are also similar to French drains, and they are installed around the exterior of the foundation. First, waterproofing is applied to the basement walls. Drains are dug and filled with gravel to promote drainage. Water is then guided away from the home, sometimes with the assistance of a sump pump.
- Sump pumps can be used in several ways. In many instances, they are installed in a basin below the basement floor. They pump water away from the house. A backup battery is key, however, so that water does not collect in the event of a power failure.
- A moisture barrier provides waterproofing for the basement. Typically, the moisture barrier is painted on basement walls, which prevents moisture from leeching through the concrete and into the home.
Homeowners with basements also can follow a few simple home maintenance tips to help keep their basements high and dry:
- Install gutters around the home. Keep them clear, and ensure that downspouts guide water away from the home.
- Check the slope of your property. Ensure that the ground slopes down and away from the foundation of your home, so water will drain away and off of the property.
- Do not plant large trees or bushes close to the foundation, where roots can penetrate the concrete and damage the basement.
Follow these basement draining solutions to protect your home’s foundation. If your home foundation might be affected by the recent severe storms in the DFW, schedule a free in-home estimate with Foundation Repair Solutions!