Will Cement Sidewalks Around the House Waterproof My Foundation?

Fill depressions in the earth where soil comes in contact with the home's foundation with a soil that has low permeability. The Basement Systems website recommends using a dense soil, such as clay, and leaving a 4-inch gap between the siding and soil line.

Evaluate and correct the grading around the exterior of your home with the goal of directing water away from the area immediately around your home’s foundation. This Old House contractor Tom Silva suggests a grade of 1 inch per 4 feet. With the proper slope, gravity will help your downspouts funnel away water.

Install extensions on your downspouts if they deposit rainwater from your gutters near the foundation. Bury the extensions if you have concerns about their appearance or if they create a hazard.

Clean your downspouts and keep them in good working order. Start cleaning at the downspout to give water somewhere to go as you clean and use a garden hose to clean the elbows in the downspouts.

Pay close attention to the joints on your gutters, during routine maintenance, as they may come loose and separate, which can lead to leaks. Fill seam leaks from inside the gutters with a butyl-based gutter caulk. Add debris stoppers or gutter guards, such as leaf barriers, to keep the channels open for water flow.

Install a drainage system for your sidewalk to give water a place to flow, especially if the walkway is located on flat ground. A properly functioning gutter and downspout system should reduce water accumulation on sidewalks near your home's foundation and make them more suitable for foot traffic.