Spring Water Damage Concerns

It's springtime! This means the snow will be melting and April showers will be on the way. This is also the most common time of year for basements to flood. Basements are typically the area of your home that is most at risk for water damage because they are located below grade and surrounded by soil. Wet basements can cause problems that can lead to toxic mold contamination, building rot, foundation collapse and termite damage.

There are some very simple ways to prevent water from entering your basement.

• Install and maintain your gutters and downspouts so that they divert all rainwater and snow melt away from the foundation of the building. We recommend at least 10 feet so that the water cannot flow back towards the building. 
• Downspouts should discharge water above grade. Below grade downspouts should be capped and repaired. 
• The finished grade of the property should be sloped away from the building. Low spots that may lead to water pooling should be evened out to prevent the possibility of standing water close to the foundation. 
• Shallow ditches called swales should be used in conditions where one or more sides of the building face an upward slope. Swales will help divert this water to another side of the structure where the grade is sloped away.

These illustrations will help explain these simple water prevention techniques. Inspect the exterior of your property and be sure to keep your basement dry this spring.  Please contact us for more information and advice.