Few things can ruin a basement faster than water and excess moisture. Besides the value of personal belongs a flood can destroy, harmful mold and mildew can cost thousands of dollars to mitigate. If you are a smart homeowner, then, you want to do everything you can to achieve adequate flood control in Chicago. Here are six professional tips for keeping your basement dry.
1. Keep Your Gutters Clean
Even though nobody likes to clean gutters, having a routine gutter maintenance schedule is essential for keeping water out of your basement. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can clog gutters, causing them to malfunction. Then, water can pool near your home’s foundation, eventually making its way into your basement. As such, if you are serious about keeping your basement dry, you should routinely clean and repair your gutter system.
2. Install a Sump Pump
Ground water levels can rise and fall with little notice. If the natural water beneath your basement rises to a level higher than its floor, your basement will likely flood. To keep groundwater out, then, you should install a sump pump. Make sure you choose one that has a battery backup, so you will be sure to keep your basement dry even during a blackout. Of course, installing a sump pump is not a DIY job. Therefore, try to work with a professional service to install your pump if you are serious about flood control in Chicago.
3. Cover Exposed Dirt
Many houses have partial basements that adjoin areas with exposed dirt. Since dirt can retain a significant amount of moisture, you want to be sure you cover it with a vapor barrier to keep humidity at bay.
4. Use a Dehumidifier
If you have high humidity in your basement, you might need help removing it. By using a dehumidifier, you can dry out the air beneath your home. Doing so will likely help you control hazardous mold and mildew.
5. Vent the Dryer
If your laundry facilities are in your basement, you want to be conscious of the amount of moisture your dryer can put into the air. As such, be sure you vent your basement dryer to the outside of your home.
6. Seal Concrete Floors
Like exposed dirt, unsealed concrete can lead to excess humidity in the air. Accordingly, seal any exposed concrete to create an effective vapor barrier.
Keeping your basement dry should be a priority. For effective flood control in Chicago, follow these six expert tips. If you do end up with water in your basement, however, work with a professional plumbing service to contain and repair the damage.
