If your basement includes finished living space, then getting a wet basement can be a disaster. Rainfall and melting snow can cause a variety of expensive damage to your home, from moldy drywall to ruined furniture. It is important to note, however, that very wet basements are not without hope. DIY basement waterproofing nj is possible! In order to eliminate wetness in your basement, you need to follow these steps.

Tips for Keeping a Basement Dry

Keep Your Gutters Clean 

It is important to clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves, twigs, and other debris, which can clog them and cause water to pool against the home’s foundation as a result. Downspout extensions should be installed to direct rainwater away from the foundation of the house.

Divert Water Away From Your House

Depending on the slope of the driveway, water can be directed toward the house and puddle up at the foundation as a result of the direction of water. Water should be diverted away from the driveway in order to prevent it from flowing down the slope. All sides of the house should be sloped away from the house so that the grade slopes away from the house. The best thing you can do is surround the exterior of the basement with gravel and rocks, as they easily absorb moisture and dry quickly once they are exposed to it.

Basement Waterproofing NJ

Cover the ground below the crawlspace with 6-mil-thick polyethylene sheeting if you have a partial basement with an adjoining crawlspace with exposed dirt beneath. Using bricks to hold the plastic in place, fold the plastic over about 6 inches, allowing the excess to spread up the walls and overlap the plastic about 6 inches again. The presence of an earthen crawlspace in a basement can cause a high level of humidity and cause the basement to smell strongly of must.

Clean Clothes Dryer Vent

In your clothes dryer, lint is emitted as well as moist air. If warm, moist air is vented into the house, it will contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, as well as lead to structural problems. Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside of the house in order to prevent this from happening.

Control Musty Basements

Moisture from cracks and gaps in walls, shifting foundations, faulty floor drains, leaky appliances, and more causes mildew and odors to accumulate. Mildew and musty odors can be controlled by spraying the basement with a mild bleach solution occasionally. This is a simple approach to basement waterproofing nj.

Control Humidity

Condensation on the basement walls and other surfaces is one of the signs that humidity is present. An exhaust fan, especially one that is specifically designed for use in a basement bathroom, can be very useful in reducing humidity levels and improving air circulation in rooms where there may be humidity from outside air that has made its way inside, by venting a dryer indoors, or for any other reason.

The exhaust fan isn’t your only defense against a wet basement. The best way to get rid of excess moisture is to install a dehumidifier and connect it to the floor drain via a garden hose. It is important to check the drain regularly to ensure that it does not become clogged. In order to keep the drain open and prevent algae growth, you should use hot water and detergent periodically.

Seal Concrete Floors

Despite the fact that unsealed concrete flooring is common in many basements, it is porous and will absorb moisture easily. If the moisture does not dry properly, it will lead to the growth of mold. In order to achieve basement waterproofing in NJ, one of the first steps is to seal the concrete floors. It is possible for you to create a moisture barrier that will prevent your belongings from getting damaged by moisture.

Install a Sump-Pump

Flooding is a major concern for homeowners who own basements, especially those in areas where heavy rainfall or snowfall occurs on a regular basis. As part of basement waterproofing nj, a sump pump should also be installed in the basement. 

As the name suggests, a sump pump is designed to pump out excess water that could potentially cause flooding in the basement as a result of overflowing. It is recommended that you install a sump pump that has a battery-operated backup in case your electricity goes out. There will be a need to connect your system to a drainage system. This project will probably require the help of a professional.