House flooding can be a serious problem that many homeowners have been faced with. The basement is the most common place where water floods into homes. This happens because basement walls are not waterproof by default and the floor is lower than the surrounding land level, thus creating a space for water to accumulate. To prevent basement flooding in your house here are five things you can do:
1. Make sure your basement walls have sufficient drainage
Basement wall material has two major functions: one, it forms a barrier against possible leaks in your home, and two, it provides a damp proof barrier so that groundwater influx won’t leave moisture on walls and floors or even seep through them. They need to be slanted inward from top to bottom to let rainwater through.
2. Make sure your basement floors drain into the main sewer line
A basement floor that doesn’t drain into the main sewer line creates a flood risk by allowing excess water to pool on floors and cause flooding. A basement floor has to be drained out by connecting it with the main sewer lines so as not to back up flooring or create an environment for mold growth. The best way is using a sump pump which will automatically remove water from basement floors before it accumulates and causes problems such as floods.
3. Use waterproof paint on wet areas of walls
Waterproof paint is a product that will keep your basement walls from getting wet. If the floor is not completely water-tight, it can absorb moisture and create problems such as discoloration or staining. A basement wall painted with waterproof paint causes water to bead on its surface which is then quickly wicked away back outside the home. But make a note, only concrete basement walls should be painted with waterproof paint because your basement must maintain its dampness for any proper vapor barrier to form.
4. Use peel and stick membrane on problem areas of floors
Peel and stick membranes are made of high-grade rubber material that will prevent seepage through cracks in poorly constructed basement floors. This product will provide a watertight floor barrier that’s resistant to moisture and foundation leaks. It can be cut to fit around ports, vents, windows, and other basement items that may get in the way of your floor installation.
5. Install drainage tile into problem areas on floors
Drainage tile is also known as French drain or trench drain because it creates an underground system for picking up excess groundwater before it becomes a flood risk. Because of its deep placement, this method of basement waterproofing often solves seepage problems completely by drawing away excess moisture below flooring lines before they can become ground saturation risks.
Finally, it’s in your best interest to avoid these common floods in your home and learn how to deal with them before it becomes a bigger problem, including to your pocket.
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