As the summer season creeps in, now is the perfect opportunity to make sure you and your home are ready. If you don’t prepare your property for the changing season, you’ll find yourself stressing out about seasonal hazards instead of enjoying the warm summer weather. That’s why you need to optimize areas in your house—especially your basement—for such occasions. Use these tips about preparing your basement for summer so that you can enjoy the season in the most comfortable way possible.
Bring Some Fresh Air Downstairs
During the summer, there will be plenty of warm, sunny days during which you’ll be outside in the pool or on the porch relaxing. However, on especially hot days, there’s nothing better than a nice, cool room to decompress in. If you want to bring cool air to your basement, you can do so easily by installing one or multiple window wells.
A window well is a window that delivers natural light and fresh air right into your basement, while also acting as an escape egress that can aid your family during an emergency. When installing a window well, it’s important to make sure it’s compatible with local residential window well code requirements before finishing.
Keep an Eye Out for Cracks and Leaks
During the summer, you’re more susceptible to experiencing heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding. To make sure your basement can properly combat flooding, inspect every nook and cranny. Look at the floor slab, ceiling, walls, and foundation for any cracks or signs of moisture. If signs of moisture are found, look for the source so that you can seal it up.
Regarding your floor slab, if it’s a small crack, then you shouldn’t worry. However, if it’s a large crack, then it’s time to caulk or insulate accordingly. Do this with any other cracks you find, particularly in your home’s foundation.
Install and Maintain a Sump Pump
Another way to combat flooding in your basement is with a sump pump. This device will pump water that’s flooding your basement back outside, either into your yard or into a designated sewer system. After installing a sump pump, it’s important to do regular inspections and maintenance. That way, your pump can work to the best of its abilities at all times.
Now that you’re more aware of the process of preparing your basement for summer, you’re ready to embrace the season successfully. By following these steps, whether you’re relaxing inside or outside, you can experience maximum comfort at all times, as anyone should be able to do during the summer.
