How to Waterproof Your Basement

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you find yourself underwater, give us a call today!

Fieldstone foundations are prevalent here in Massachusetts, especially in older homes, and add a rustic New England touch to a home. However, the spaces between the stones as a foundation also serve as a good entryway to your home for mice, pests, and the dreaded foe of basements: water. 

Keep in mind, though, that water can also get into a basement that doesn’t have a fieldstone foundation. Causes for this can include cracks in the walls and basement windows with wells that spring a leak. 

Should you sell your house for one with a sturdier foundation? Not at all! What you do need to do is shore up your basement to prevent water damage from leaks or floods. 

First, assess the outside of your home. Do you have flowers planted along the sides of your house that you water often? The soil of those pretty flowers could be taking the water and letting it nourish the stems while also directing the water down into the foundation of your home. 

Second, inspect your gutters and drains. They should be taking any run-off water away from your home instead of straight down or worse, tilted towards the side of your house.

Third, look at any basement windows. Is the window flat against the wall, or is there a window well there in the ground? Unless you have piping taking water away from the wells, they can easily collect water, which could seep into your basement over time. Consider adding stones or gravel into the well for a pretty display and something to fend off water. 

Lastly, for a fieldstone foundation or cracks in your walls, consider purchasing water-stop cement that you can mix to a putty and then apply it (using gloves or a knife, please) wherever there’s an open spot or crack. 

If you wind up with water damage in your basement from a cracked wall or a fieldstone foundation, contact our restoration experts at SERVPRO Stoneham/Wakefield for a water damage assessment.