Proper Drainage is Key to a healthy basement

Deciding to finish a basement should be carefully considered before making a major investment. One of the things we steer clear from is older homes. Waterproofing techniques have been improved over the last 25 years. A proper seal on the outside of your foundation wall is essential in keeping your basement dry. Another reason we like to work in newer homes, is because most homes with full basements have sump pumps installed. You can add a sump pump to an older home, but it's much more involved than cutting in a well and hooking up a pump. You need a drain tile that runs around the entire inside perimeter of the foundation wall. Another important factor than cannot be overlooked when finishing your basement is the exterior drainage. If you do not have a noticeable slope away from your house, you may need to consider some type of drainage system. It is not uncommon for gutters to feed into 4" drain pipe until it is a safe distance from the house. If the grade is really bad, a french drain or some other type of drainage system may need to be installed.

Even if you are not planning to finish you basement, proper drainage will keep your foundation in tack. Water that cannot get away from the house will cause hydrostatic pressure and eventually lead to foundation failure. .