Here are some ways a homeowner can preserve their very valuable basement for weather emergencies:

Fix holes and cracks: When a holes or cracks begin to appear in any of the basement walls or foundation, do not wait to patch them up ‘later’ or it will be too late. Any homeowner whose house has a basement should always check their basement on a regular basis for such imperfections because over time and through all kinds of weather, holes or cracks are very possible. If patching up any hole or crack is not something the homeowner likes to do, they can hire a contractor to come out and use the proper sealant to fix the unwelcome holes and or cracks.

Waterproof Walls: The walls of a basement are very important to maintaing it’s stability. In fact, if the walls are not stable, the whole house might fall down. This is why it is vital to waterproof the walls, inside and outside the basement. There are some waterproofing products that can be applied to the walls such as Xypex and Drylok. Now, waterproofing is not the same as sealing either. The way Xypex works, it is like applying a waterproofing concrete to the walls of a basement. The product Drylok is not a sealer, not a waterproofing product, but works nonetheless on minor leaks.

Clear out gutters and downspouts: Just like any home, it is necessary to clear out all the leaves or branches that might find their way into the gutters and downspouts around your home. The same goes for your basement. After clearing the gutters and downspouts, check to see that water comes out and away from your home at least 4-5 feet away. The less water around the foundation of your basement, the better.

Check for condensation: Because the basement is underground, it is more likely to have a build up of condensation. Condensation can easily gather moisture on the basement cold water pipes, walls and floors. The best way to reduce or remove all condensation is to use a dehumidifier or let sunlight into the affected area. If sunlight is not possible, purchase a space heater. The space heater should not be plugged in and used unless the homeowner is in the basement of course.