Preventing Basement Leaks

Preventing Basement Leaks

If you have a basement, or even just a crawlspace, the last thing you want is
water infiltrating the area. Even a minor leak can cause damage to walls
and flooring, and may even lead to mold issues. Here are some
precautions worth taking:

• Every spring and fall, check the grading around your home. The ground should gently slope away from the foundation. Pay particular attention to areas where shrubs and other foliage make the grading difficult to see.

• Look for cracks in the foundation. Get them fixed right away. Even a minor crack that doesn't appear to penetrate all the way through can cause problems eventually.  See information on waterproofing.

• Check the caulking on basement windows. If it's worn and cracked,
it's time for re caulking. The lifespan of most exterior caulking is less
than five years.

• Watch the eaves troughs when it rains. (You'll get wet, but it's worth
it.) Make sure the water drains well away from the foundation.

Doing these simple inspections takes just a few minutes. Yet, if they prevent
a basement leak, it's time well spent!

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-151
email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com