Even with a waterproofing system installed in your home, regular maintenance is still required. A well-maintained system usually performs more efficiently and lasts longer. Below, this basement waterproofing company in Berwyn, Illinois, is going to explain simple maintenance tips to help your waterproofing system stay effective for years to come.
Manage drainage around your home
One of the best things you can do is make sure water does not collect around your home. When drainage in your yard is poor, water can collect near the foundation. Over time, that constant moisture can damage the foundation.
The soil around your home should slope away from the structure. This helps rainwater move in the right direction, away from your basement walls. Good grading can reduce the amount of water pushing against the foundation and give your waterproofing system less to fight against.
Prevention starts with the outside of your property. Keep an eye on soggy areas in the yard after rain. Those areas can be a sign that water is not draining correctly. When water keeps pooling in the same place, it finds its way toward your home.
You should also watch where roof runoff is going. Gutters and downspouts move a large amount of water. And if that water is being released too close to the house, it can increase the chance of basement seepage. A downspout that empties near the foundation can send water directly into the soil surrounding your basement walls.
That is why downspout extensions are an effective upgrade. Moving the roof water farther away from the foundation can lower the risk of leaks and reduce moisture buildup around your home. In many cases, extending downspouts about 6 to 10 feet away is a good target.
When water is directed away from the house, your waterproofing system has a much better chance at holding up over time.
If you want advice specific to your home, you can always reach out to a licensed basement waterproofing company in Berwyn, Illinois.
Check your sump pump regularly
For many homes, the sump pump is one of the most important parts of the basement waterproofing system. It removes water before that water can build up and enter the basement. That is why you must check your sump pump from time to time, especially before periods of heavy rain. A quick test now is much easier than dealing with water damage later.
Footing drains and sump pump systems collect groundwater and move it away from the home before it reaches the basement. When everything is working correctly, the system helps keep the basement dry even when the surrounding soil is holding a lot of moisture. Since the sump pump plays such a central role, you must keep an eye on it.
Pay attention to how it sounds and how it runs. Test the pump regularly. Check that the discharge line is clear. If your system has a battery backup, confirm that it is working too.
A professional basement waterproofing company in Berwyn, Illinois can inspect the system and make sure everything is doing its job. They can check where the water is discharged and if the system can handle heavy rainfall when the soil is already saturated.
Looking for a basement waterproofing company in Berwyn, Illinois?
If you want to keep your basement dry in the long term, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is here to help. We are a trusted basement waterproofing company in Berwyn, Illinois, and we also provide other services like sump pump and backup sump pump installations, foundation crack repairs, and drainage solutions for homeowners in the area. Contact us today to learn how we can help.