Four Ways to Waterproof Your Basement Without Using Waterproof Paint

People who have moisture problems in their basements often think that using waterproofing paint will solve all of their dilemmas. However, this paint is expensive, and if you don't really take care of the source of your water, all the paint in the world isn't going to do you any good. While there are numerous methods you can use to help dry out your lower level, this article is going to focus on four of the ones you can do without going to the work and expense of waterproof paint.

For starters, take a look at your gutters. If they are clogged, clean them out so that they run freely. This system is designed to drain excess water away from your home. If you watch your gutters during a rainstorm and see water running out over the top of them, you'll know that even though your drainage system might be working correctly, it isn't large enough to take care of all the water that runs off of your roof. You can purchase new gutters that are both wider and deeper in order to hold more drainage until it can run down the downspouts and out away from your house.

A basement is underground, and often the moisture problems are a result of damp soil surrounding the walls which absorbs into the concrete and seeps through. Buying a dehumidifier may be the answer to this. Make sure that you either drain the dehumidifier directly into a drain, or try and remember to empty the water tank frequently during wet weather. Models are available to remove varying amounts of water from both small and large basements, and they do an excellent job.

Take a look at how the ground around your foundation slopes. If it runs downhill toward your house, then water will pool there and end up in your basement. If this is the case, you will need to add more dirt to bank up the sides of your foundation. You won't want to go higher than the windows, obviously, but keep in mind that the dirt you add is going to sink down over time, so be sure not to skimp on the banks you build. Another great idea is to caulk the area where your basement walls meet the floor. You may be able to stop a lot of seepage just by using a tube of caulking.

Nothing is more miserable than having a wet basement. The musty air can infiltrate your whole house, mold may form, and the dampness can keep you from expanding your living space into all that extra space under your house. By trying some of these easy fixes, you may just be able to stop your water problems without having to call in a professional and without buying gallons of waterproofing paint.

There is more to learn about waterproofing. Visit betterwaterproofing.com for more tips on under deck waterproofing and foundation waterproofing membrane and learn how you can do more.

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