How to avoid moisture in your basement

Avoid moisture in your basement

Who we are. How we help.• An environmental charity and social enterprise• Serving Waterloo Region since 1999 • Focusing on energy and water sustainability

Funding: Local partners, contracts, grants, client fees and donations

Our mission:

REEP Green Solutions

PHILIP DRADER

Home Energy

Coach

Avoid moisture in your basement

What CHALLENGES are you facing?

Sources of moisture in the basement

Credit: State Farm

First address interior sources

Reactionary approach requires dealing with:

• pipes (frozen, pinhole, burst)

• toilet flanges (wax or foam)

• children or bad habits

• sprinkler system

Interior sources

Proactive approach to avoid:

• pipes (frozen, burst)• sewer backup• leaking standard

hot water tank

Next address exterior water sources

Problem:• landscape directs water

towards your house

Solution:• slope soil to move

ground water away away from house

Exterior water sources

Problem:• eavestrough is plugged,

disconnected or bent

Solutions:• leaf guards on

eavestroughs• or thorough cleaning

annually

Exterior water sources

Problem:• downspout empties

close to house

Solutions:• add longer downspout• connect to rain barrel(s)• direct to rain garden

Exterior water sources – exterior solution

GOAL: Keep water out of house

Solution:Exterior drainage system below-grade with dimple membrane

Exterior water source – Basic Interior solution

GOAL:Keep water away from insulation

Solution:Use dimple membrane on the inside of foundation

Best used with floor system

Exterior water source – Interior solution

GOAL: Direct water away from living spaces

Solution:Dimple membrane tied to new weeping tile inside of foundation wall

Connected to sump pump

Exterior water sources – Active draining

Better safe than sorry?

Consider a double sump pump with battery backup

Questions?

What 3 things would you like more details on?

Overview

1. Keep outside water away from your home

2. Minimize chances of water accidents inside your home

3. Check safeguards semi-regularly

Future Home Energy Coach presentations & open houses

February 6 Tips on finishing your basement March 5 How to make good window choices 

Presentation: 1:30 p.m. Open House 2—3:30 p.m.

 REEP House for Sustainable Living20 Mill St., Kitchener Register in advance: reepgreen.ca

Put our coach to work for you

To book an orientation or a home energy evaluation

Learn more

Use sign up sheet at the front!

Call 519-744-9799 > Press 1

Email [email protected]

reepgreen.ca/HomeEnergyCoach

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