Dry basements

Published On: May 31, 2011


What a good time to shop for homes!  With all the rain we've been having, any drainage or water infiltration problems a property may have become obvious.  As we look at homes, sometimes the causes of wet basements are simple to correct.  Clean out the gutters and downspouts and make sure your downspouts have extensions to direct the water away from the foundation.  Sunken areas next to the foundation should be filled in or drainage channels prepared to keep water from ponding.  Fill foundation cracks with hydraulic cement and paint with waterproofing paint.  Older brick foundations, especially on century-old homes, may be hard to waterproof; professional help may be needed in those cases.  Damp basements will benefit from dehumidifiers.