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Archive for March, 2010

Do-It-Yourself Tips for Keeping Your Builder Home’s Basement Dry

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Since spring time is approaching, here are some tips for builder home owners to keep their basements dry:

-          Prevent water from leaking to your builder home’s basement by not planting gardens against the house. You can also use a home ventilation system to get rid of excess air moisture.

-          Check and clean your gutters after a heavy rain, repair leaky faucets if you have any, and realign downspouts so that the water drops on the ground surface and not below.

-          Prevent water from accumulating near a foundation by having lawn graded with a minimum of 2-3 inches of drop for every 10 feet, sloping away from the home.

-          Look for these signs to know if water is already leaking into your basement:

  • Damp spots on walls
  • Molds and mildew
  • Peeling paint
  • Musty odor
  • Rust on appliances and furniture
  • Cracked walls and floors

-          If water is already in your basement, a solution of bleach and water to knock down mold on floor and walls should be used. Then apply a waterproof paint on the walls for a clean finish.

Moisture in the basement is a common problem in American households, in fact it is present in almost 75% of homes. It is not just a nuisance, it can also cause health problems. It can also pose danger to the structural integrity of your new builder home. If you have this kind of problem, don’t waste any more time and fix it immediately.