Our basement is the foundation of our home. It is the floor that keeps our house standing and what keeps our home enclosed. It’s not uncommon that we forget about this place. It is often dark, dingey, and at times, can be musty and humid.
Having a dirty, musty, and leaky basement, however, is not good for your home.
Here are 6 things you should know about basement waterproofing, and how it can save your basement and your home altogether
Table of contents
- Top 6 Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing
- 1. Basement Waterproofing is a long-term solution to basement water issues
- 2. Basement floods are different than basement leaks- and both require a long-term solution
- 3. Basement humidity is another form of a wet basement
- 4. Every home needs a different solution
- 5. Cracks in your walls and foundation could result in a leaky basement
- 6. Only contact a professional basement waterproofer for the project
Top 6 Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing
1. Basement Waterproofing is a long-term solution to basement water issues
Sometimes when we think of a handyman coming into our home, we think of someone fixing a one-time problem. Maybe a clogged pipe, a light shortage, etc. However, in some cases, these problems can turn into ongoing issues. Leaky, damp basements for one do not have a one-time fix. Instead, basement waterproofing is a long-term solution to removing moisture from your basement. Basement waterproofing includes the installation of a product/products that help remove and sheld away any water coming into your home.
2. Basement floods are different than basement leaks- and both require a long-term solution
When a basement floods, the floor is covered in water and is usually a few inches tall. If there is a basement flood, homeowners usually act immediately because of the quick damage it has to one’s basement and belongings. Basement leaks, on the other hand, are less invasive, but over time, could definitely lead to some house damage if not taken care of. Whether the issue at hand seems small or large, both require a long-term solution to install no further, costly damage is done.
3. Basement humidity is another form of a wet basement
Does your basement at times feel sticky, musty, and hard to breathe in? Although humidity is common outdoors during the hot, summer months, it doesn’t mean your basement should feel this humidity too. Basement humidity, in fact, can lead to a wet basement. It also is the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow in. Not only will your basement suffer, but basement humidity and mold growth can affect the overall health and air quality in your home too. This is where the installation of a basement dehumidifier comes in to remove excess moisture from your basement air.
4. Every home needs a different solution
Just like there isn’t one type of medicine to cure all people who are experiencing illness, there is no one set solution to waterproofing a basement. Depending on the issues your basement is experiencing and how your basement is designed, there is a specific solution for you. Here are a few examples of basement waterproofing solutions and how they help a basement:
- Sump Pump– pumps out any excess water from your basement and away from your home.
- Dehumidifier- drys moist, damp air in your basement.
- Drainage System (French Drain)- any type of drainage system that is installed on the floor of your basement to help drain out any water.
- Downspout Extensions- helps direct rainfall water from your roof and gutters to move away from your foundation and basement.
- Basement Wall Crack Repair- seals any type of cracks in your basement walls to prevent water leakage.
- Basement Windows and Window Wells- proper basement windows and window wells help seal any possible areas to let air and water leak through.
5. Cracks in your walls and foundation could result in a leaky basement
As mentioned earlier, your basement is the foundation of your home. If there is any damage to your foundation, such as cracks, gaps, or holes, your basement is going to suffer as well. Sometimes these cracks are very noticeable, making the root of the problem easy to discover. If water is leaking into your basement however and you can’t seem to figure out how a qualified basement waterproofing contractor will be able to help with the diagnosis.
6. Only contact a professional basement waterproofer for the project
Unlike other DIY projects, basement waterproofing requires trained professionals who have the right equipment and tools to solve your basement water issues. Make sure when calling a basement waterproofing contractor that they are licensed and experienced in the job you are asking for.
Next time you notice a problem in your basement, contact your local basement waterproofing expert immediately for the job. Just like any area in your home, your basement needs some extra TLC too!
Thank you so much for explaining what basement humidity is and why it’s something you want to avoid. We plan to turn our currently unused basement into a game room for our kids to enjoy so they won’t bother us while we work, but I can’t help but notice that the room feels a bit stickier than other rooms. Now that I know what might be causing it, I’ll get a basement waterproofing service to work on it first before we transform it into a game room.