If your basement has ever been flooded you will agree with me that they usually become uncomfortable.

A basement becomes wet due to flooding, seepage of underground water, surface runoff from rainfall amongst others.

Places that receive high amount of rainfall are more vulnerable to encounter this problem. Take for example, Windsor, Ontario. It experiences the highest amount of rainfall in the month July. The residents of this city go through hell during this period in as far as basement flooding is concerned.

Here are some tips on how to keep water out of your basement:

1. Cleaning the gutters and downspouts

If gutters are blocked by debris such as leaves, branches ,soil and stones, rainwater will directly pour onto the house foundation. The rainwater will then seep into the basement, causing flooding. It is therefore important to regularly check if these debris have accumulated in the gutters and remove them.

For asphalt roofing, you have to check the gutter regularly for particles which may have become loose.

You may also want to consider tightening the spout extensions and the gutter straps. This will ensure that they are not overwhelmed by the rainwater which would have otherwise spilled into the foundation.

You must also check the downspouts and use water to clean it up whenever it has gunk.

2. Put up underground drain pipe system

A system of pipes may be installed underground. The pipes will control surface runoff by diverting it away from the foundation.

3. Extending the downspouts

Extend the downspouts using metal or plastic extensions such that they are 1.5 meters away from the house to ensure that excess water do not flow into the basement.

4. Seal cracks on basement walls, floor and pipes

Water seepage into the basement occur through the cracks in the basement. One must seal the cracks as soon as they appear.

Polyurethane caulk and hydraulic cement are some of the materials used to seal these cracks.

5. Constructing a French drain

You may need to construct a French drain if you are experiencing severe water seepage which may be due to underground water seepage.

The construction of French drain involves laying down underground pipes through which water flows away from the house foundation.

6. Sloping the ground away from the foundation

Sloping the ground away from the foundation will ensure that rainwater and surface runoff flow away from the foundation of the house.

7. Waterproofing the basement walls

Waterproofing can be done by using:• Waterproofing paints

• Concrete coatings

• Plastic sheets

• Panels

• Silicate-based concrete sealers

One may also apply sealant on the walls to prevent condensation.

8. Installing sump pump

A sump pump automatically detects water rise in the basement floor. It then automatically sucks out the water from the basement.

Many people may not know how to choose and test a sump pump. Do not stress yourself and enter the flooded basement as this may cause accidents.

Contact a water damage contractor such as the PuroClean team. The PuroClean team of experts will provide superior quality services for fire ,water or mould damaged properties for residents of Windsor, Ontario and its sorrounding areas.