Is your basement ready for the next big storm, or is it one heavy rain away from making it less waterproof?
Simple upgrades, like basement window well covers, make a big difference in keeping your home dry and safe. Most of the time, people don’t think about their basement until suddenly there is water damage, mold, or ruined storage.
But the good news?
A few easy steps can help you avoid the reckoning of a destroyed basement.
1. Check your downspouts
When it rains, your roof collects a lot of water, and it all needs to go somewhere. That’s why you need gutters and downspouts. They carry water from the roof and send it away from your home.
But if a downspout is broken, clogged, or pointing the wrong way, it might send water to your basement.
Over time, water pools around your foundation and sneaks into your home. This is one of the biggest causes of flooding and basement damage. It often leads to mold, cracks, and other costly repairs.
Make it a habit to check your downspouts at least once a year. Ensure they’re connected, clear of debris, and aimed so water flows at least five feet from your home.
2. Monitor for moisture and leaks
Speaking of water pooling around, water in your basement isn’t always easy to spot. Sometimes, it starts with a damp smell, a small stain, or a small patch of mold in the corner. That’s why checking your basement after heavy rain or snow is important.
Look around windows, walls, and the floor for any signs of leaks. Pay close attention to the area under your basement windows. That’s one of the most common places water sneaks in.
If you notice moisture, act quickly.
Use fans to dry the area and determine where the water comes from. Outside, adding a foundation liner to the visible part of your home’s exterior helps protect the surface from long-term wear caused by rain, snow, and sun, keeping your foundation looking good and holding up better over time.
3. Check your sump pump
Not every home has a sump pump, but those with levels below grade or in areas with high water tables typically do. A sump pump is a device that keeps moisture out and minimizes the risk of flooding in a home.
If you’re unsure if your home has a sump pump, go downstairs and look for one. It’s usually located at the lowest part of your home’s bottom floor, in a pit beneath the floor’s surface. A pipe will run from the pump to the exterior of your home or connect to the sewer line.
Once you locate your sump pump, ensure it’s operating properly. You can learn more about that process here. While you’re at it, clean your pump’s strainer screen to prevent future clogging.
4. Proper yard grading
Even if your home has strong walls and good drainage, water may still sneak in if your yard slopes the wrong way.
If the ground around your home tilts toward your foundation, rainwater will run straight to your basement, leading to big problems, fast.
This is where creating a waterproof basement starts from the outside. For the first 10 feet, your yard should slope away from your home by at least half an inch per foot. That way, water flows out and away, not in.
If you’re not sure how your yard is graded, walk around after a good rain. Look for puddles near the foundation or water flowing toward the house.
You can also check the slope using a level and some string or call a landscaping pro for help.
5. Clean out window wells
Any downstairs windows that are below grade need to have a window well installed. Window wells help keep water from your foundation when working correctly. But problems arise when they become clogged with leaves and other debris.
Clean them out twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall.
6. Install a water leak detector
Certain areas of your home are at high risk of becoming the source of a flood. These areas include windows, room corners, sump pumps, water heaters, boilers, dishwashers, and washing machines.
One way to help notify you immediately if water is entering your home is to install a water leak detector. These devices range from simple audio alerts to more sophisticated detectors that alert your cellular device or home security system, and they’re generally easy to install near high-risk areas.
7. Upgrade storage
Cardboard boxes have many uses, but avoid storing your belongings in them downstairs. When wet, cardboard is highly absorbent and quickly attracts mold and pests. If you experience flooding problems, anything stored in a cardboard box will likely suffer significant damage.
Store items in plastic bins instead. It’s a much better long-term storage solution.
8. Cover window wells
Window well covers protect against leaves, snow, rain, and animals.
Adding basement window well covers is one of the easiest ways to prevent this. A good cover keeps out debris and water and adds a layer of safety so no one accidentally falls in. It also helps create a waterproof basement by stopping moisture before it reaches your window frames.
A simple cover can prevent major water damage and expensive repairs later. It’s a smart way to protect your home and peace of mind.
9. Seal cracks around windows and the foundation
Even small cracks around your basement windows or along your foundation may let in water, bugs, and cold air. Over time, these cracks grow bigger and lead to severe damage.
Sealing these cracks is a simple but important step in waterproofing your basement. Use waterproof caulk or concrete sealant to fill any gaps you see around window frames, along the walls, or where the floor meets the wall. You can find these supplies at most home improvement stores.
Install a foundation liner on the visible part of your exterior walls to help protect your foundation from weather and wear. These decorative panels help guard against sun, snow, and rain while giving your home a finished look.
10. Dehumidify and ventilate the basement
Even if water isn’t leaking in, basements often feel damp. That’s because they’re underground, where air doesn’t move as much and moisture builds up over time. This often leads to mold, mildew, and that musty smell nobody wants.
A dehumidifier is one of the best ways to keep your basement dry and healthy. It pulls extra moisture out of the air, which helps prevent mold and protects anything you store downstairs. Empty the water tray often or connect it to a drain for easy use.
Correct ventilation also protects your basement. If your basement has windows, open them on dry days to let in fresh air. If not, consider adding small exhaust fans to keep the air moving.
A dry basement isn’t only more comfortable — it’s safer, cleaner, and better for your whole home.
11. Add liners and grates for structure and safety
Your window wells do more than let in light. But window wells start to rust, collapse, or fill with debris over time. That’s where foundation liners and grates come in.
Grates are a smart upgrade. They cover the top of your window well, helping to prevent falls and keeping out large debris, without blocking light or airflow. Grates are great for homes with kids, pets, or high-traffic yards.
If the outside of your foundation shows signs of wear, install a foundation liner to improve the look and longevity of your home’s visible foundation walls. These decorative liners help protect your home’s exterior from moisture and weather damage while giving your property a cleaner, more polished appearance.
Windowell Expressions is here to help
Keeping your basement safe from flooding and other hazards might seem like a lot of work, but Windowell Expressions is here to help. We will install basement window well covers that keep water out while still allowing light in.
We also offer decorative foundation and window well liners, adjustable window well grates, and more to keep your property looking top-notch and durable.
We operate from Salt Lake City, Utah, and serve customers across the Wasatch Front. Ready to upgrade your window wells? Get a free quote today!
