Waterproofing Your Basement From those Hard Chicago Rains

It can be a tough existence in the Midwest if you live and die with every cloud that passes through the area. It’s no secret that in the spring, summer and fall, those harsh Chicago rains can wreak havoc. Here are some tips to waterproof your basement:

• Make sure your sump pump works.When the rains come down, your pump is your greatest insurance policy for staying dry. Pour some water into the tank during the dry times just to make sure it doesn’t corrode. Clean out the tank from time to time.
• Keep the gutters clean.Any house needs gutters, and they need to be clean to keep the rainfall draining away from your house and the foundation. When gutters fill up with leaves and debris, rainwater has nowhere to go.
• Check the downspouts.Make sure that water is always flowing away from your foundation. This is critical.
• Use window well covers.These prevent water from collecting and infiltrating your basement through the window wells.
• Fill the gaps.If water is seeping in where the wall and floor meet, hydraulic cement can be used to fill the gaps.
• Keep your valuables on higher ground.When all else fails, protect yourself from future loss. If your basement has a history of flooding, make sure that your valuables remain out of harm’s way.
• Make sure you have insurance.When you’re in a pinch, you’ll need to make a claim. Make sure that your insurance will cover the structural damage and belongings.

Life in the Midwest can provide a whole host of weather surprises. The Chicago area is notorious for a wide range of temperatures and harsh rain and snow all within a short amount of time.

Make sure that you’re adequately prepared. Water damage in the basement can cost thousands of dollars, between making structural repairs and replacing lost belongings. You don’t want to learn these lessons the hard way.