Signs that you need to waterproof your basement
Basement waterproofing is a great way to protect your home from water damages. When water builds up it can cause some serious problems to the structure of your home. Not to mention the dangerous health risks associated.
How do you know if your basement has water damage?
It isn’t always easy to tell if your basement needs to be waterproofed but the longer you hesitate the worse the damage will be. Here are some signs your basement is being affected by water damage:
- Mold – Mold can only grow in a damp environment. So if you notice it in the basement it means there is water damage occurring.
- Odors – Stagnant water can cause musty odors to develop. It could also be caused by mold in the area.
- Stains – When floors or walls are continuously receiving water damage discoloration can occur leading to yellowish-brown stains.
- Damage – If something is continuously exposed to water they start to break down this includes paint peeling off walls, swollen baseboards, etc.
Why is your basement getting water?
This could be due to a number of reasons such as:
- Improper Drain Systems – Since the basement is below ground if water is not properly directed away from the home after a rain it can make its way into the basement.
- Cracks – Cracks in your basement floors, walls, or around windows make it easy for water to get in.
- Condensation – Basements are naturally damp places and this environment can make it easy for mold, mildew and other things to develop.
- Water Leak – There could be leaks in any number of water appliances in your home which could be causing an interior water leak.
- Gutters – Whether it is because of age or because they are not functioning properly the gutters could actually be causing water damage to the basement.
- Sump Pit – This is a problem as older homes are not equipped with this device to prevent trouble with the drainage system.
Is waterproofing a basement worth it?
Yes, it is. Not only does it improve the resale value of your home. You can expect a 30% return on investments. But waterproofing also becomes an important home repair that prevents a number of other problems.
What does waterproofing a basement entail?
There are three ways to waterproof a basement:
- Interior Waterproofing – This is the most cost-effective option because there are fewer things that can be done to the interior to make it waterproof. We just need to seal all the cracks in the basement so water doesn’t come through. Coatings can also be put on the floor and walls so water damage does not occur.
- Exterior Waterproofing – This is the more effective option. Exterior waterproofing involves coating the exterior of your home with a waterproof coating by excavating the soil around the area. We will also ensure the gutter systems are working properly to lead water away from the foundation of your home.
- Drainage – This involves ensuring that a proper drainage system is set to keep your basement safe. A common device we install would be the sump pumps. It helps move the collected water away from the basement. Depending on the basement this can be a quick installation.
Waterproofing is necessary to maintain the pristine condition of your home. So don’t skip this important step when repairing your basement.