Spring is around the corner here in Alexandria. While we escaped heavy snow and snowmelt, spring showers are to be expected. Spring is the busy season for waterproofing! Make sure you can take advantage of the warmer weather instead of worrying about your basement. 

Many wait to call us about water issues they noticed over the winter, such as puddles of water, leaking basement windows, and doorways, or damp carpet. We are here to tell you that if you’ve had water in your basement, it will happen again. 

Here are a few things to look out for. 

Take a look from the outside in

There are a few housekeeping items you can take care of when it comes to keeping water away from your home. 

• Check your gutters and make sure your downspouts are clogged with debris 
• Clear any drains of debris or trash, this includes window well drains and stairwell drains
• Get a few bags of dirt and add it around your foundation to create a slope away from the home. Consider hiring a company to take care of this if your yard slopes too much into the home. 

Check your sump pump

If your sump pump fails, you lose an item of defense against water. Make sure your sump pump is working properly and that you have a backup battery installed. If your sump pump has any of the following issues, hire a professional to take a look around. 

• Running consistently
• Running for a long time
• Vibrations and strange noises 

Get your basement waterproofed 

If your basement is showing any of the following signs, it might be time to consider properly waterproofing your basement. 

• Wet Carpet around the perimeter of your basement
  • It’s not common for homeowners to walk closely to the perimeter of their wall, so wet carpet may not be obvious to them unless it’s noticeable. An inspection may include pulling up a corner of the carpet where it meets the wall to see anything that may be underneath.
• Damaged basement finishings
  • If you have a finished basement, there may be potential damage and decay on your drywall and baseboard. Mold thrives in damp and dark places.
• Damp, musty smell 
• Efflorescence
  • A chalky, white substance that can collect on block foundation walls.
• Peeling paint
• Bubbling drywall 

Don’t wait until the busy season to reach out to a contractor! Be proactive and contact us today for your free consultation and estimate.