When heavy rain hits, your basement is often the first area of your home to feel the impact. Without proper protection, water can find its way through foundation cracks, floor joints, and window wells, causing damage to walls, flooring, stored belongings, and even your home’s structural integrity.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your basement from heavy rain and flooding before the next storm arrives.

🌧️ 1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters and downspouts are one of the most common causes of basement flooding. When rainwater can’t flow properly, it spills over the edges and pools around your foundation.

What to do:

• Clean your gutters regularly, especially in spring and fall
• Install gutter guards to prevent debris buildup
• Ensure downspouts extend at least 6 feet away from the foundation

🧱 2. Check Your Grading

The soil around your home should slope away from the foundation to prevent water from accumulating and seeping into your basement.

What to do:

• Walk around your home and check for low spots
• Use compacted soil or gravel to reshape sloping areas
• Avoid piling mulch or landscaping materials too close to the house

🔍 3. Seal Foundation Cracks

Even tiny cracks in basement walls or floors can let water in under pressure. Sealing them early can save thousands in repairs.

What to do:

• Inspect walls and floors for visible cracks or stains
• Use waterproof sealant for minor hairline cracks
• Call a professional for a structural evaluation of larger cracks

⚙️ 4. Install or Upgrade Your Sump Pump

A sump pump is your basement’s last line of defense during heavy rain. If you don’t have one — or yours is outdated — your home is at greater risk of flooding.

What to do:

• Install a sump pump with battery backup (in case of power outages)
• Test your pump before the rainy season begins
• Keep the pit clear of debris and inspect the float switch regularly

🛠️ 5. Install an Interior Drainage System

An interior perimeter drain channels water from under the foundation directly to your sump pump. It’s one of the most effective ways to manage groundwater and hydrostatic pressure.

What to do:

• Hire a professional to install a below-floor drain tile system
• Combine with a vapor barrier or wall liner for added protection

✅ 6. Protect Basement Windows and Window Wells

Window wells collect rainwater if they don’t drain properly, leading to leaks or even broken glass.

What to do:

• Install clear window well covers
• Make sure each well has a drain and is filled with gravel
• Replace any cracked or unsealed window frames

✅ Keep Your Basement Dry—Year-Round

Preventing water damage isn’t just about protecting your belongings — it’s about protecting your health, your home’s structure, and your peace of mind.

At Shelter Dry Basement Waterproofing, we specialize in designing custom waterproofing systems that shield your basement from even the heaviest storms. From sump pumps to drainage systems and full basement remodels, we have the experience to keep your space dry, safe, and usable.

Don’t wait until the next big storm.

Contact Shelter Dry today for a free inspection and protect your home from the ground up.

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