These Handy Products Can Help Keep Your Basement Dry This Spring
Of all homes with basements, nearly 100% will experience some type of water damage. While homeowners have a wide variety of options when it comes to major waterproofing efforts involving whole home renovations, some people underestimate the impact that simple fixes can have on the dryness and usability of your home.
These quick fixes can usually be purchased in home improvement stores or even online for maximum convenience. After all, U.S. e-commerce revenue is about $423.3 billion and is steadily climbing. Without further ado, here are just a few quick and handy products that can help keep your basement dry this upcoming spring.
Dehumidifiers
Even if you don’t sense a concerning amount of water in your basement, you can make sure it’s consistently staying dry by using dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers are available in different sizes: contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to buy a huge, heavy, and bulky one to get the job done. Mini and portable dehumidifiers are available for under $15 on Amazon. Of course, they have plenty of heavy duty options as well. Whether your budget is $20 or $1,000 it’s easy to find a model that helps keep your basement dry without draining your wallet. Make sure to consider the overall size of your basement when determining what the most efficient size for your home may be.
Of course, in order to make the most of your dehumidifiers, you’ll have to empty them regularly or hook them up to drain directly into a sink. Whichever option you choose, make sure to check on them every day or two to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Silica Gel Packets
Here’s an unexpected addition to this list: silica gel packets. You’ve probably seen them packaged with all sort of products, from electronics to home goods and more. But you can also purchase them in bulk from online suppliers. Just like dehumidifiers, these gel packs help to remove moisture from the air and keep your basement (and the products they come packaged with) as dry as possible. Don’t get the wrong idea — they’re not a miracle solution that’s as effective as a large dehumidifier, but for moisture issues in small spaces, silica gel packs can work like a charm:
“One solution to high moisture levels inside basements is to collect the water from the air. This can be accomplished using desiccant packs…Desiccant packs contain silica gel, which draws in moisture from the surrounding air. They are available in disposable or reusable units. Desiccants are a good option for smaller spaces, such as inside a closet,” writes Heath Robert on SF Gate Homeguides.
If you don’t feel like you need to buy silica packs in bulk, you can at least start saving them up for various waterproofing uses. Check out a surprising list of uses here.
Paint and Insulation
Finally, there are various types of waterproofing paint and insulation you can buy online that’s easy to use and can go a long way to help protect your home’s basement. For a minimally invasive project, buy a can of high-quality waterproofing paint in your chosen color. Read the instructions carefully and apply multiple layers for a better result.
Insulation should be wrapped around your home’s cold water tanks, pipes and cold air ducts in order to reduce condensation. If you’re looking for a major renovation, consider insulated concrete forms: ICF systems can cut final costs on a property by an estimate of $0.75 per square foot and are incredibly durable and waterproof. Of course, you’ll need to hire a professional to install ICFs correctly.
Remember, nearly 12 million trucks, rail cars, locomotives, and vessels move goods over the transportation network, and it’s easy to find an online home waterproofing product or solution that works for your home in a pinch. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for the most specialized advice.
