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Like other parts of your home, your basement can also be considered a significant asset. It can be used as a storage space for various items, such as seasonal gear, heavy equipment, and other essential home items.
If it’s dry, your basement can be transformed into an entertainment area where you and your family can spend time together. Due to these uses, it can boost the overall monetary value of your property.
But, because of its location, most basement areas are susceptible to water leaks. When the water accumulates on the basement floor during heavy rains, it can result in structural instability, which has catastrophic and costly consequences.
To prevent them from happening, carrying out basement waterproofing can be an excellent idea.
If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, keep reading this post to learn more about basement waterproofing.
Definition of Basement Waterproofing
Essentially, basement waterproofing refers to taking specific measures to avoid water entering the basement. It involves working from the inside or outside to keep the basement dry.
When waterproofing a basement, you may need to install sump pumps and drains and apply sealant materials to complete the process.
However, although the basement waterproofing process can be performed on your own, it may be recommended to hire a reliable waterproofing company to handle the job.
They can provide a quick waterproofing solution that suits your needs.
Signs that You Require Basement Waterproofing in Your Home
It’s also important to know when you should need basement waterproofing. Typically, some signs tell you it’s time to get your basement waterproofed.
All you have to do is look around your basement and check for the following:
- Musty odor around the area;
- Presence of leaky pipes;
- Moisture or water found on the flooring;
- Mold growth;
- Cracks in the walls and basement floors.
When you see any of the signs mentioned above, your basement needs some waterproofing.
Failing to do so may cause serious health issues, such as allergic reactions, and respiratory problems due to the mold, mildew, or fungus growing in your wet basement.
Benefits Of Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing can be an important home project. Although this process seems unnecessary, getting your basement waterproofed as early as possible can prevent disastrous issues from happening.
Typically, basement waterproofing can be beneficial in the following ways:
- Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: It helps improve indoor air quality by letting cool air move around your home more efficiently. Since the basement is dry, no moisture is trapped inside the area, thereby avoiding mildew and mold growth that adversely affects your home’s indoor air quality.
- Reduced Energy Costs: A dry basement can lower the humidity level in your home. When this happens, your HVAC system doesn’t need to work harder, thereby reducing your energy bills.
- Minimized Costs of Insurance Claims: Flooding is one of the sources of water damage in your basement. Thus, when your home’s foundation is damaged due to basement flooding, you may have to pay more money on your insurance claim. As such, basement waterproofing can be beneficial to avoid losing your home to a disaster like water damage. When your basement is waterproofed, no water can seep through the foundation, which can cause structural instability.
- Healthy Home Environment: When you have a wet basement, the moisture level is high, which causes mildew or mold to grow faster. Consequently, excessive mildew or mold growth can make your home unhealthy. But, with basement waterproofing, you can lower the moisture levels and ensure a healthier environment at home.
Methods Used in The Basement Waterproofing Process
If you’re planning to get your basement waterproofed, it’s also essential to familiarize yourself with the standard methods used for this process. These can include:
- Sump System: With this method, you use a sump pump system to remove water from your basement. The pump collects groundwater and carries it to the sump tank.
- Drainage Control: With this method, you need to use a drainage control apparatus to keep water from your basement. One leg of the device is positioned vertically on the basement wall, while the other is placed horizontally on the foundation footing. The horizontal one is responsible for flowing the water into the drainpipe to remove it from the basement.
Once the water is removed from your basement, the next step includes sealant application. This means applying a cement-based sealant on the exterior walls of your basement to waterproof your basement.
Moreover, you can install a drainage mat to eliminate the pressure against the foundation to strengthen your waterproofing efforts.
Bottom Line
The importance of basement professional concrete waterproofing shouldn’t be underestimated. Like other essential home projects, it can safeguard your property and possessions against the severe effects of water damage.
Therefore, keep the information mentioned above in mind to learn everything about basement waterproofing and how it can protect a valuable investment you have which is your home.
