Waterproofing once-dry basements is an offshoot of all this rain

Many homes in New England have unfinished basements. Heating systems and water heaters are often down there. Some house washers and dryers and the odd artificial Christmas tree.With the steady rain of 2023, many of these seldom-used spaces are getting wet, sometimes with serious consequences. High water can knock out heating systems and water heaters that sit on the ground. People who keep plastic bins of old papers and photos have seen them get damp and moldy or wet and destroyed.Companies that perform basement waterproofing have seen a surge in inquiries and bookings this year. Even if your mechanicals are safe, it's a good idea to waterproof your basement as trapped moist air can cause rot in wooden structural elements and mold in the living spaces above the basement.A recent Boston Globe article highlights some of the approaches homeowners are taking: sump pumps, interior and exterior drains, dehumidifiers, vapor barriers.Read the whole article here: A side effect of intense rainfall