Tips for Waterproofing Your TN Home

Need help determining if your basement is leaking, but don’t feel that a specialist is yet necessary? We here at Master Services are here to help. We’ve compiled a helpful list of hints and tips for keeping your basement dry during the wet Tennessee spring. And, of course, should the problem go beyond what you feel capable of, we are always available for free estimates and for inspections.

1)   Be sure to install gutters and downspouts in all places where they are needed. This ensures that rainwater and debris stay outside of your home, rather than getting the chance to slowly infiltrate the inside.

2)   Clean all existing gutters and downspouts regularly. What’s the point of all those gutters if they are clogged full of leaves, pine straw, critters, and the like? Un-cleared gutters are notoriously large culprits in the home waterproofing game. By cleaning them regularly, you’re ensuring that they continue to do what they were installed for, keeping your home clean and dry.

3)   If you suspect unwanted moisture in your basement, but do not know where it is coming from, take a good-sized square of aluminum foil and tape it to your basement wall. Leave it for two to three days. If there is moisture on the outside of the foil, your problem is likely condensation. If the moisture rests on the inside of the foil, then you are most likely dealing with seepage.

4)   Make sure you keep any shrubbery and plant life near your basement well trimmed. The wet soil from abundant plant life can easily contribute to basement moisture. Keeping the area pruned and neat allows the soil to dry at a much faster pace.

5)   Make sure your basement insulation is in good shape. Often, insulation is poorly installed, or deteriorates over time, leading to more room for moisture to gather. Checking your insulation can also save you money on your utility bills, which is always a plus!