Did you know that 98 percent of basements in the United States of America experience some level of flooding or water damage during their lifetime? Basements are a great way to maximize your home’s living space or add extra storage, but they have a higher propensity for flooding than other areas of your home.

The situation isn’t hopeless, however, since there are a number of things that you can do to waterproof your home. If you’re on the lookout for your next home improvement project then you owe it to yourself to dive into (no pun intended) how to prevent flooding.

The good news is that you’re in the right place to learn some helpful tips to prevent home flooding. Keep reading this article to learn more today!

Invest in a Sump Pump

Your sump pump is your greatest ally in your battle to waterproof your home and prevent home flooding. The sump pump has been around since 1946 and it is specially designed to get rid of any water that starts pooling in your home’s basement. True, the sump pump will only be useful if there is standing water in your basement, but it makes the process of home renovation much easier.

The biggest reason that water damage is so profound in homes is that it often has time to soak through the wood, furniture, and carpet in your home. The longer that the water saturates these materials, the more difficult they’ll become to salvage. Your sump pump will help you keep conditions in your basement under control.

Seal Your Basement

Another great tip for how to prevent flooding in your basement is to seal it. There are a number of components that come into play when you choose to waterproof your home and basement. The biggest culprits are the door and window seals.

You need to stay on top of caulking the window seals to prevent moisture from entering your basement and causing flooding. Your basement door should also maintain a good seal if you want to waterproof your home.

If you find that the water is entering your basement through the basement walls then it’s best to reach out to professionals. You can learn more about basement waterproofing from experts that have years of experience in the industry.

Grade the Land Around Your Basement

The grade of the land around your basement also plays a big role in home flooding. If you invest in landscaping services then odds are that your soil will experience some notable changes around your foundation. You need to make sure that the land is graded to guide water away from your home.

If the grade is wrong you’ll find that your yard is pushing water into your basement. It’s one of the biggest things that lead to flood risk for homes with basements. Your finished basement home improvement project will come to a screeching halt if you don’t consider the land’s grade around your home.

Get a French Drain

One of the biggest improvements that you can make for your home to prevent home flooding is the installation of a French drain. Some homes have perfect grading around the foundation yet still experience flooding in the basement. If your home falls into this category then you need to consider getting a French drain around the outskirts of the home.

Look into the zoning laws and regulations in your area before breaking ground on this project. Once you get the green light, you’ll love the difference that this home improvement makes in waterproofing your home. 

Consider getting help from a professional landscaping company if you decide on getting a French drain, as they’re a complicated project. It’s best to get it done right the first time if you’re focused on how to prevent flooding in your basement.

Think About Plant Life

It sounds impossible, but the plant life around your home’s foundation could be a root cause (pun intended) of the flood risk for your basement. You need to make sure that the plants in your yard aren’t too close to your home’s foundation because the roots can end up penetrating through the basement walls.

Once the roots start penetrating the basement walls, the floodgates will open and you’ll find that you have water pooling on the basement floor. Plants can also play an adverse role when it comes to guiding water away from your home. Your best bet is to keep plants a decent distance from the foundation of your home.

Extend Your Downspouts

Extending your downspouts is one of the most cost-effective ways to waterproof your home and protect it from flooding. It’s no secret that water damage costs a fortune to repair, but extended downspouts cost a small fraction of that. A big indicator that extended downspouts will help you prevent flooding is if you see water pooling under your existing downspouts.

Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but it’s part of the role of a responsible homeowner. Your first option for keeping your gutters clean is to go through them and clean them by hand a few times each year.

It’s easy for leaves and other debris to block your gutters which will lead to water pooling on your roof. You’re looking at a matter of time before that water finds its way into your home.

Your other option will cost more, but it will get rid of the physical labor of cleaning your gutters. Gutter covers prevent debris from entering your gutter, which allows the water to flow with ease.

Now You Know How to Prevent Flooding

Learning how to prevent flooding is essential if you’re the owner of a home with a basement. Make sure that you invest in a good sump pump, and take the time to caulk and seal any doors or windows in your basement in order to waterproof your home. You should also consider getting a French drain to guide any water away from the home and out into your yard.

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