There are several easy steps, as a homeowner, that can be taken to reduce the risk of water penetration into your structure. The first thing most homeowners forget is that waterproof coatings on exterior walls fade over time. An inspection of this membrane to see if it needs replaced is imperative as time goes on after installation. This waterproofing membrane minimizes the entry of water into a structure, so functionality is paramount.

Gutters and downspouts need to be checked often to make sure they are directing water away from basements. Gutters become cluttered with debris such as leaves and sticks and need to be cleaned often to ensure effectiveness.

Correcting ground sloping around basement walls is also vital to reducing the risk of water penetration. The ground slope should be at least 10 degrees and at a distance of five feet away from exterior walls to provide optimum protection.

Cracking occurs naturally as a home settles into its foundation. Some cracking is inevitable, but for large cracks, corrective action needs to be taken to reduce the risk of water penetration. There are many crack repair solutions that are simple enough for any homeowner to use.