03 Dec How to Protect Your Basement from Heavy Rain and Flooding This Winter
If there’s one thing you can say with confidence about the coming months, it’s that there’ll be one or two storms. As we’ve seen in recent years, that’s going to put many homes at risk of flooding, and if your home has a basement, you’re really in the firing line.
So what are the best measures you can take in order to protect your basement from heavy rain and flooding this winter?
Start with a High-Quality Basement
While an existing basement may have come with the property, many homeowners today are adding a basement as a highly efficient way of adding space to the house. The single most effective protection you can give your basement against flooding is to have it constructed to the highest quality in the first place.
This means finding a contractor with a great reputation for building basements. It’s important to remember that creating a basement will involve lowering the foundations, so the contractor you choose should also specialise in underpinning.
Ensure Your Drainage System Is in Good Repair
The best way to minimise the amount of water getting down to your basement is to make sure your drainage system is working efficiently. This is exactly the time of year problems can arise, since various parts of the system can get clogged up with leaves or other debris.
You’ll need to inspect and, if necessary, clear out your gutters, downpipes and drains. If any of these are clogged, it can lead to water pooling on the ground by the house, and this can seep down to the basement.
If surface water is a persistent problem, then you might consider installing either a French drain or a surface channel drain. These are more efficient than normal drains at diverting excess water away from the foundations.
Waterproofing Your Basement
Even the best drainage system won’t necessarily protect your basement from the kind of torrential rain a storm might bring. This makes it essential to waterproof the basement walls and floor.
Various waterproofing systems are available, such as a membrane or a tanking slurry, which will create a barrier against moisture. It’s also important to check walls and floor for any cracks, which can let water in, and get them sealed with hydraulic cement or waterproof sealant.
Consider Installing a Sump Pump System
If your basement has persistent problems with dampness, the best solution might be to install a sump pump system. This goes at the lowest point of the basement and automatically activates when the water level rises to pump excess water safely away.
The biggest problem with a sump pump is that it normally works off the mains — and, of course, a storm is the most likely time for a power cut. The easiest way to avoid this being an issue is to have a battery backup for it.
Landscaping for Good Drainage
Landscaping may not be the most obvious thing to look at in relation to your basement, but it can affect the natural drainage around your home. Make sure that the ground slopes away from the building on all sides, as well as install drainage for your patio and pathways.
Professional Work Is Crucial
Although one or two of the jobs involved, such as cleaning the gutters, may be within the capacity of an experienced DIYer, it’s generally essential to have the work done by an expert. This means not only a professional building firm, but one with a proven track record of working on basements.
If you’re looking for basement services or piling contractors in London, the surrounding areas or South East England, give U&M a call to discuss your needs.