The summer months, known for their humidity and severe rain showers have begun. Moisture in the basement can become a big problem for homeowners, as it can lead to serious structural damage, as well as mold growth and destruction of personal belongings.

According to estimates from The American Society of Home Inspectors, 60 percent of U.S. homes have wet basements. There are three main causes of this including rain-related, humidity and subsurface seepage.

In addition to this information, a 1-inch rain fall will generate nearly 1,000 gallons of water falling from a typical 1,600-square-foot roof. Don't let all of this seep into your basement. Keep the following three tips in mind for a dry basement. 

• Clean the gutters: Although the gutters are higher up, they can have a big effect on the basement. Gutters can become clogged from the natural elements,rendering them useless with stuck debris. Cleaning the gutters a few times a year can help alleviate basement issues, as well as others. Be sure that the downspouts where water emerges from are also pointing away from your home.
• Check the slope of the home: If your home usually suffers from a wet basement, the slope of the home may be to blame. Check paved areas such as the driveway and walkways, as well as grass or soil that could be directing water toward the home. 
• Use your yard as protection: Minimize the flow of water using your yard. Planting trees and flowers, as well as laying down soil can help soak up the rain water, keeping it out of the home.

For more home safety tips, or to schedule a mold testing inspection with a home inspection company such as Alban Inspections, visit our website.