End Of Summer Landscaping Tips To Keep Your Basement Dry This Winter
As gardening season comes to an end, it’s a great time to manage your landscape. One often overlooked issue when cleaning up our yards, is making sure that we protect our homes from moisture. During the Maryland winters, between ice and snow melt and heavy rains, our basements are prone to moisture build up and flooding. This unwanted water can be the result of poor landscaping choices and can end up costing us a lot of money. However, with just some simple maintenance tips at the end of the summer season, we can stave off any moisture issues as a result of landscaping. So when you go to clean up your yard, make sure to do the following:
- Take a moment to visually inspect your foundation for any cracks, holes, or damage. Foundation cracks can lead to leaks and water damage. So if you see any, make sure to have these sealed before the winter season begins.
- Look for any cracks or depression in the paved surfaces around your house. Check walkways, driveways, and patios. If there are cracks you need to have them sealed. If there is any water pooling in these areas because of uneven ground or depressions, you need to have the surface evened out. These weak areas can lead to water seeping into your home.
- Next check the grading around your home. You want to make sure the ground slopes away from your house. If there are any depressions, flat areas, or places where the ground slopes toward your house, you need to grade the area so it slopes away from your home, otherwise rain and snow melt will be directed right into your home.
- Check your gutters and downspouts for any clutter or debris. Make sure water runs through them easily. Also check them for any leaks or breaks, where water can be directed into your home. Then make sure the downspouts are pointed away from your house.
- If you are doing any fall planting, be careful about putting flower beds next to your home. Flower beds trap and retain moisture, which could leak into your home. So dig and plant your beds away from your house.
- Clear any debris that has piled up near your home. Debris like branches, leaves, and dead plants can trap and hold moisture. This moisture can also get into your home. If you have window wells, make sure these are completely clear of any plant debris and check to make sure the drain works.
If you follow these simple tips, you will not have any home moisture issues from your landscaping. However, if you already have basement moisture problems or are looking for more ways to protect your home this winter, call AA Action Waterproofing. Our friendly experts can help you put together a great plan to keep your basement dry all winter. So call us today for a free consultation.