Basement flooding is a common problem this time of year. Here are six tips to avoid basement flooding this year or to prepare for next year.
1. Seal it up
Seal up even the tiniest cracks in your foundation, basement walls and floors. Make sure all basement window wells are also sealed up tight against any intruding moisture.
2. Create drainage away from your home
Does the grading (sloping) on your property send water pooling around your foundation? A gentle grade away from your home can ensure water drains away from your home rather than straight for it.
3. Clear your eaves troughs
If you didn’t do it in the fall, you might be getting water pouring over the sides of your leaf-blocked eaves troughs in these heavy spring rains. This adds extra unwanted water to your already soggy lawn.
4. Lengthen your downspouts
You want your downspouts to empty their contents approximately two metres away from your foundation to send water well on its way – away from your home.
5. Clear away debris
If there is debris in the grates on the road near your home, it could be slowing the drainage from your property. The same goes for the shallow drainage ditches on the boundary between your property and your neighbor’s. Make sure both are clear of leaves and other debris.
6. Increase green space
Is there enough green space on your property to absorb water or is the area around your home predominantly patio stones and non-porous pavement? Consider creating some additional green space and using porous pavement and patio stones to ensure moisture percolates well.
