In the last post, we discussed some basic landscaping tips to help you prevent basement flooding and water damage. However, there are a few more methods that can help with keeping a dry basement, and it’s your duty as a homeowner to take charge and prevent costly and hazardous water damage. Here’s part two of our homeowner’s guide that will explore some more landscaping tips that can help with keeping your basement dry.
Direct water properly
It’s a good idea to go outside during a rain shower and try to locate the source of any flooding. This allows you to determine the right path for the water to drain. Look for any pools of water, and use grass barriers and other natural resources to redirect any and all flood waters. If you really take the time to commit to this project, you could notice a night and day difference the next time you take a look outside during a rainstorm.
Make sure your law is graded in the correct direction
Experts agree that landscaping graded toward the home as opposed to away from the home can easily lead to flooding. Resolving the issue will probably require the help of a landscaping company, but it’s well worth it for the added protection from flooding.
“[Dig] a dry creek in the customer’s yard and then fill it with river rock or cobblestones. This allows the water to bisect the yard and flow around the sides of the house instead of toward it. For homeowners who don’t want to splice their yards … install a French drain where water flows into a gravel trench and then into a pipe,” writes Gretchen Becker on Angie’s List.
Of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage. Knowing how to landscape your yard to optimize water flow is the key to maintaining a dry basement for years to come, but it’s also important to stay vigilant about your basement or crawl space moisture removal systems. For more information about basement waterproofing, contact Dry-Tek Environmental.
