Basement Wall Waterproofing: Do You Need It?

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According to statistics, 98% of homes in the US will experience water damage in their basement. Becoming a huge issue that can be quite costly to repair and resolve.

Basements are notorious for experiencing water damage because of where they are. As basements are often at ground level or below the ground where water is often found.

Due to this common issue, many homeowners turn to waterproofing services. As basement waterproof options can help to reduce these risks.

Keep reading to find out more about basement wall waterproofing and if you should invest in it.

What Is Basement Waterproofing?

Basement wall waterproofing is done to help the basement to resist water from entering it. Basement walls are more likely to experience water damage, so this can really help.

Different materials and techniques are used to seal the walls and prevent water from penetrating them. Because of where basements are located, water penetration is a huge issue.

Different sealant materials can be used to seal the basement walls better. Giving them an extra layer of protection that won’t let moisture from outside in.

In some instances, crawl spaces may also need to be sealed. As they can let in moisture to your basement and cause water damage over time.

Why Waterproof Your Basement Walls?

Basements are notorious for attracting moisture and getting damaged by water. They are in an area that is often damp where they can accumulate moisture.

These basement walls are usually made of concrete, which is a porous material, resulting in moisture being able to penetrate the walls over time.

If you have a basement in your home, you should seriously consider basement waterproofing. This can save you a lot of stress and money later on down the road.

It is very likely that your basement will attract water at some point, which could result in damage. Many times this goes unnoticed until the damage is more severe.

When this happens, preparing your basement can be quite time-consuming and expensive. And you may end up sealing your basement wall anyway, so why not do it as soon as possible?

Hiring a basement waterproofer can help you to save money in the long run, as well as ensure that your basement will stay clean and dry.

Many buildings are even required to have their basement walls waterproofed. Although, older homes may not have this done or may need to have it redone.

When Should You Waterproof a Basement?

Most homeowners should consider waterproof basement options for their homes. This is an important step to take in reducing the risks of water damage.

It is almost inevitable that your basement will eventually begin to attract moisture. So having your basement waterproofed is a preventative measure.

Homeowners should check to see if their basement has had any waterproofing work done. And if not, should consider having it done as soon as possible.

The process of waterproofing basements will be easier and less expensive if done before there is damage. 

Water Stains

Sometimes you may not necessarily find puddles if water is coming into your basement. But you may see water stains along the walls and on the floor.

These will often be light and look like collections of moisture, though they may feel dry to the touch. You may notice these stains over the entire basement or in one location.

Though there are instances where this may be the result of something else, it usually means water is coming in. If you confirm that this is the issue, you should act fast.

Even if the staining is only in one area, that is still a big issue. Staining means that moisture is coming into your basement and will start to create bigger issues.

Bad Smells

You may start to notice that your basement has developed a bad smell. It is normal for basements to smell musty or old, but they shouldn’t smell bad.

It may smell like mold or have a damp smell like unwashed laundry. These are signs that the air in the basement is damp, most likely from water coming through the walls.

If your washing machine is in the basement it could be creating humidity that is causing the smell. But if that isn’t the case, it is most likely moisture from outside coming in.

This can also be a sign that moisture is creating mold growth, which has resulted in a bad smell.

White Sparkles

If you notice white sparkles in your basement this is most likely a powdery stain resulting from a breakdown of lime that is in the cement mix of the walls and floor.

A powdery stain like this may look sparkly and white and can coat your walls and floors. It is a sign that moisture is coming into your basement and has gotten quite bad already.

Mold

One sure sign that there is water damage in your basement is the presence of mold. You may see dark stuff growing in the corners of the ceiling and floor of the basement.

This is often accompanied by a damp or grassy smell. You may have even noticed your allergies getting worse or feeling sick, as mold is often bad for people’s health.

Is Basement Wall Waterproofing Right for You?

If your home has a basement, you may wonder if basement wall waterproofing is necessary. This is something that all homeowners should consider if they want to prevent water damage.

Do you want to have your basement waterproofed? Contact us today at Armored Basement Waterproofing for basement inspections and waterproofing services.

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