After 3 days of continuous rainfall, thousands of homes have been left with flooded basements and collapsed foundation walls. What is the next step and how can homeowner’s prevent this in the future?
April 26th, 2017
After 3 days of continuous rainfall, thousands of homes have been left with flooded basements and collapsed foundation walls. What is the next step and how can homeowner’s prevent this in the future?
The National Weather Service said more than 8 inches had fallen in areas across Northwest & Central North Carolina, making April 2017, the wettest April on record. Streets, parks, parking lots and homes experienced terrible flooding this week as the storm crossed the state. As the water evaporates, homeowners are left asking themselves, “how can I prevent this in the future?”
Here are a few things you can do to prevent basement flooding in the future:
1) Keep your gutters clean.
2) Check your downspouts for clogging regularly.
3) Install an interior drainage system with the following requirements:
- Designed not to clog- sits on top of the footing
- Has a built in 3/8″ gap between the floor and the wall to drain wall leaks
- Does not rely on filter fabric
- Has a big drain outlet to the sump pump
- Will not cause structural damage to the footer
Ten Things to Look For When Shopping for a Basement Waterproofer:
1) Do they specialize in basement waterproofing?
2) Will the system destroy the landscaping or leave an ugly gap around the inside of the home?
3) Do they provide cast-iron basement sump pumps with a reliable battery back-up system?
4) Check their references with the Better Business Bureau. Are they keeping their customers happy?
5) Can the company provide references of satisfied basement waterproofing customers?
6) How long will their installation take?
7) How much more marketable and valuable will they make the home after it’s waterproofed?
8) Will a fully transferable, written warranty be provided with the system?
9) The Small Business Administration reports that 50% of contractors fail within the first year and 96% within the first five years. Will they still be in business when the customer needs them?
10) How good can this company make you look if you refer your customers to them?
