Your basement area is not just an out of sight storage space but also the foundational structure of your entire home. With about 98% of basements in America expected to experience water damage during their lifetime, your basement may be vulnerable to water damage.
While the problem may start with insignificant droplets and seeping through cracks, it is important to act on the situation before you pay an estimated $6,965 for home water damage insurance claims.
To protect your home from water and structural damage, keep reading to learn what you should know about having a waterproof basement.
Is Waterproofing Your Basement Necessary?
As a homeowner, water damage can not only be expensive but also devastating. To help you avoid any damages, here are signs that you should waterproof your basement as soon as possible.
Water Stains: If you tend to notice water staining on your basement walls or floor, you should take action right away. The stains may be due to seepage through wall cracks.
Unwanted Smells: Do you experience a musty odor in your basement? This may indicate the presence of mold or mildew caused by excess moisture in your basement.
Efflorescence (White Sparkles): The phenomenon of efflorescence on your basement walls or floors is not a fantastic, natural effect. Instead, it indicates the presence of moisture in your home that requires immediate action.
Unexplained Sickness: In case you or your loved ones in your household are unable to shake off the flu fast, chances are you have a wet basement. Other common symptoms you may experience due to toxic molds include fatigue, headache, nausea, chronic cough, and more.
Outside Water: While you may ignore the puddles of water outside our homes, it may be the cause of flooding in your basement. The water intrusion happens through cracks or holes and may depend on the type of soil around your home.
Rust Formation: If you observe rusting of metallic materials in your basement, you can get in touch with professional waterproofing providers to help you out.
Pros of a Waterproofed Basement
Flooding water can cause a range of problems including mold growth and structural damage. The following are the top benefits of waterproofing your basement.
Protect from Basement Flooding
Simple waterproofing tactics can divert groundwater and keep your basement from flooding. This protects your home from water damage and you can save a lot of money on related insurance claims.
Prevention of Structural Damage
As water seeps through the foundation of your home, it can affect the joints and edges where the flooring and walls meet. It can cause foundation cracks and buckling of your floors and walls that threaten the structural integrity of your home. Effective waterproofing will bar water from entering your basement, protecting the joints and edges from water damage.
Increase Living Space
Whether you need extra room for an office, bedroom, or gym, waterproofing can give you access to more living space. This can in turn increase the value of your home.
Enjoy a Healthy Home Environment
Excess water or moisture can lead to the growth of mold or mildew that causes illnesses, including allergies and respiratory infections. Waterproofing your basement reduce water and moisture level, preventing the growth of mold.
Lower Heating and Cooling Costs
When the air in your home is humid, your HVAC system needs to work harder to heat or cool your home. This can raise your utility bills to as much as 10-15 percent per year. To save energy, you can waterproof your basement.
Cons of a Waterproofed Basement
Waterproofing a basement, especially a large basement, comes with its fair share of hurdles. These are important to consider before you start the process, so look at the pros and cons of a waterproof basement before hiring a company to help you.
Expensive System Cost
From the cost of materials to labor charges for installation, waterproofing can be a bit costly. If you are on a budget, you can start with interior waterproofing and then move on to external waterproofing later. You can protect your home and still save some money.
Tedious System Upkeep
Some types of waterproofing systems like crack sealants and concrete sealants need to be reapplied at least once a year. This constant system upkeep can be time-consuming and sometimes expensive.
Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing will stop rainwater from getting into your basement through the walls but will not protect against water from under the floor (hydrostatic pressure). It is also much more costly and invasive. Last, this process does not come with a lifetime warranty.
Interior Waterproofing
For your interior, you can inspect your basement for any cracks. Once you spot them, use the interior waterproofing solutions that we offere. Sealants won’t last. The only way to guarantee a dry basement is with wall liners, french drains, and sump pumps. They can help you clear flooding from within your basement.
Should I Waterproof My Basement?
If you have experience water stains, molds, or rust in your basement, you are at risk of water damage. Luckily, Armored Basement Waterproofing has got your back.
From drain tile installation and sump pump installation to foundation crack repair, we offer fast and effective waterproof services. Contact us for a high-quality waterproof basement.
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