Some people dream of an in-ground pool to compliment their landscaping and home. No one dreams it would be in their basement.

Here’s 6 ways you can avoid a flooded basement:

Keep Your Gutters & Downspouts Clean

Debris can clog your gutters; making for a disaster that can easily be avoided by a monthly cleaning. Downspouts pouring alongside your home is basically begging to cause problems. Extend the downspout at least 3 feet away from your home using a trough or water extension.

Cracked Foundation

A simple inspection of the exterior foundation and your basement’s walls and floors will save you a lot of heartache. You can use epoxy to fill any foundation cracks and if warning signs are detected, apply masonry sealer indoors.

Sump Pumps

We can’t tell you how many basements fall victim to a sump pump failure. If you have a below-grade sump pump check to make sure its well is free of debris. If you have a portable pump, position it in the lowest part of the basement and be sure it’s connected to a power source.

Generators

This step is just as important as checking your sump pump. A sump pump only works if you have power. If you live in an area plagued with frequent storms and power outages, a generator may be a long-term investment worth considering.

Window Well Covers

Having natural light in a basement is a warming touch. Soggy carpets and a water-logged wall? Not so much. If you have below-grade basement windows, install window well covers that will fasten securely to your home’s foundation. Clear acrylic covers will still allow light to enter while they keep out rain, leaves, and even pests.

Insurance

This one seems like a no-brainer, right? Surprisingly this isn’t the case. We can’t tell you how many homeowners we’ve worked with that said, “We assumed this would NEVER happen so we didn’t get insurance to cover it.”

Need expert help?

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