It’s a typical scenario for many homeowners: it rains, the basement leaks. A damp basement is a common problem in the home, but can be avoided with some easy steps.

A majority of problems can be avoided with early prevention. Her are tips to keep your basement dry: 

• Make sure your gutter system is installed correctly with the correct number and size of downspouts.
• Downspouts should be extended 4 to 10 feet from the house and away from your foundation.
• Check that gutters are cleaned out regularly and are flowing freely. Also check periodically after heavy rainfalls to make sure there is no clogging.
• Seal cracks and holes in the concrete block walls.
• Paint the basement walls with specialized waterproofing paint.
• Never pile up snow against the house.
• Check that the ground slopes away from your home and foundation so that surface water will run away from your home and not affect your basement or foundation.
• Check for water leaks where pipes enter the basement.
• Install a sump pump.