Water is the leading cause of property damage for homeowners across the country. Whether it comes from heavy rain, burst pipes, or sewer backups, it can compromise the structural integrity of your home and ruin your personal belongings. Basements are especially prone to moisture and flooding problems since they form the lowest point of a building and are often constructed below ground level. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent wet basements and the need for water damage restoration. Here are a few ways to keep your basement dry.

How to Avoid a Flooded Basement

1. Seal Foundation Cracks

Cracks in a home’s foundation are a common entry point for water. Check your foundation periodically to see if you notice any openings that need to be sealed up. Even hairline cracks can allow a significant amount of water to pass through, and over time, they’re likely to get bigger after freezing and thawing multiple times. Cracks may also develop because of poor drainage, loose soil, and faulty foundation construction.

2. Keep Gutters Clear 

Leaves, tree branches, and other forms of debris often collect in gutters. If you don’t clear them out frequently enough, the downspouts can clog. In turn, water runoff won’t be able to drain away from your home properly. With water overflowing and draining right next to the foundation, the risk of basement flooding increases.

3. Install a Sump Pump

Sump pumps play a major role in basement waterproofing. If you haven’t yet, consider installing one to help pump out any water that gets inside your basement. Once you invest, it’s important to regularly inspect your sump pump to ensure it’s working correctly. It’s also a good idea to have a generator or backup battery on hand to keep your sump pump running if you lose power during a storm. 

4. Grade the Landscape

In many cases, basement floods continue to occur because of the slope of the yard. The landscape around your home should be graded in a manner that keeps water from draining towards the foundation and pooling around the structure’s exterior. If the yard is sloped away from home, gravity will naturally direct it away from the foundation.

If you encounter a flooded basement, turn to Blue Ridge Property Restore for help cleaning up. They’re equipped to remove all traces of water from your property, dry the area thoroughly, and restore your home to its original condition. Based in Martinsburg, WV, the company has provided prompt, effective, and affordable water damage restoration solutions to homeowners throughout eastern West Virginia, south-central Pennsylvania, central Maryland, and northern Virginia for more than a decade. Call (304) 262-8100 to request a free estimate, or visit them online to learn more about their water damage restoration services.