How to Protect Your Basement During Severe Weather

• By Shaun Miller
• February 10, 2025
• Basement Waterproofing

Severe weather events, from heavy rains to heavy snowstorms, can wreak havoc on your home, especially your basement. As a foundation repair and waterproofing professional, I've witnessed firsthand the damage caused by flooding and water intrusion. To protect your investment, let's focus on three key areas:

Gutters and Downspouts: Your First Line of Defense

Your gutters and downspouts are your first line of defense against water damage. They are responsible for efficiently directing rainwater away from your foundation, preventing it from pooling around the perimeter.

• Regular Maintenance: Consistent cleaning is crucial. I recommend cleaning your gutters and downspouts at least 3-4 times a year, as twice a year often isn't enough in many areas.
• Proper Extension: Ensure downspouts are extended at least 10 feet away from the foundation to prevent water from seeping into the basement walls.
• Consider Upgrades: For improved efficiency and easier maintenance, consider using rigid PVC extensions with gutter adapters instead of elbows. This allows for better water flow and easier debris removal. Install a speed basin at the end with a removable cover for clean-outs. I'm not a fan of pop up emitters.

Grading: Ensuring Proper Water Flow

The slope of the ground around your home (grading) plays a vital role in directing water away from your foundation.

• Ideal Slope: The ground should gently slope away from your foundation.
• Address Issues: Often, landscape mulches or beds settle, creating dips that direct water towards your home. Correct these issues before spring or winter to prevent water from pooling against the foundation.
• Soil Selection: In my experience if you're adding backfill, choose what I call not so good soil. We aren't looking for top soil here but soil that isn't so permeable and will shed water away from the structure.

Professional Assessment: Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses

A professional assessment by a foundation repair and waterproofing expert can identify potential weaknesses in your basement's defenses.

• Comprehensive Inspection: The expert will thoroughly inspect your foundation for cracks, leaks, and other signs of water intrusion.
• Evaluating Improvements: They will assess the effectiveness of any existing improvements, such as downspout extensions and drainage systems.
• Personalized Solutions: Based on their findings, they can advise on appropriate solutions, such as interior drainage systems or foundation stabilization, to address specific areas of concern.

By implementing these proactive measures – maintaining your gutters and downspouts, ensuring proper grading, and seeking professional guidance – you can significantly reduce the risk of water intrusion and protect your basement from the damaging effects of severe weather.