Top Myths About Your Leaking Basement (And the Facts Behind Them)

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As a homeowner, you have an investment to protect. You take pride in your home. The last thing you want is for sudden damage to take it all away.

Floods are the biggest disaster in America, causing billions in damage a year.

A flooded or leaking basement is costly, hazardous, and causes long term damage. We often store valuable or cherished items in basements, so a single leak can also ruin cherished memories.

Floodwater is often contaminated with sewage that can cause sickness and infections. Even a damp basement can cause damage from mold.

Moisture can cause damage to your foundation, leaving you in the challenging position of finding a contractor and fast. Whether you need to protect your health or your home it’s, important to be prepared for a wet basement. This starts with understanding the top myths about a leaking basement and the true facts behind them! 

What Causes a Leaking Basement?

Anything involving water can be a risk. Seriously. You may even find your sprinklers causing trouble!

Sprinklers spraying towards the house can cause water pooling at the foundation. Bad landscaping also directs water toward your home instead of away from it. Your garden may be beautiful, but it could also be slowly allowing water into your home.

Water seepage can cause a wet basement in more traditional ways as well. You’ll often discover water in the basement after a strong storm due to groundwater seeping in.

Your own home may be working against itself. From that same rainfall, your gutters may overflow and cause the same trouble.

Before you know it, you’re fighting a flood.

Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to stop a leaking basement. But, there are also many myths. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones! 

Myth #1: Waterproof Paint Will Solve All Your Problems

It’s true that waterproof paint will cut down on a damp basement. While this is an effective method, waterproof paint can’t remove water, only prevent it.

To remove water from your basement you need a quality, properly installed, waterproofing setup.

Some houses may only need indoor waterproofing, but exterior waterproofing gives the best results. Do yourself a service and contact a professional to determine your best strategy for basement waterproofing.

Myth #2: Waterproofing Breaks the Bank!

The truth is, waterproofing is not as pricey as you’d think – but its value is enormous.

Pricing varies from home to home and level of work, but the long-term payoff makes it all worth it. Although some jobs tend to be more expensive, a variety of factors play into the final cost. And, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound in cure.

Make no mistake, if you have a leaky basement, the best time to deal with it is now. You will save a small fortune in the long run and save yourself a big hassle.

Myth #3: If a System Didn’t Work on One House, It Won’t on Another

There is no “one size fits all” approach to waterproofing a basement. Although many homes benefit from the same system, properties differ in many ways. There are actually many different methods to prevent or solve a leaking basement.

Finding the right match is important.

A sump pump is useful for removing water in the basement. These are a great addition to a complete waterproofing system. However, if a sump pump is the only method you use, you’re still allowing water in.

A downspout or French drain stops water from entering in the first place. This takes some work outside to direct water away from your home, but it’s a great method to stop water and moisture.

Of course, the tried and true method is waterproofing paint! This is a great sealer to avoid mold growth and dampness and fix humid basements.

Myth #4: Waterproofing Your Basement Won’t Stop Water from Coming In

This myth is born of mistakes.

If you don’t use a reliable waterproofing service to prevent a leaking basement, excuses will be made. You need a dependable company that will not only assess your basement but your property as a whole.

When done correctly, waterproofing your basement will keep water from coming in! 

When Should You Get Basement Waterproofing?

The short answer is now!

If you’re already seeing signs of a wet basement, it’s time to act. Here are some things you’ll want to look out for. 

1. Increased Humidity and Mold

Can you sense a change in humidity as you enter your basement? A damp basement can be felt in the air, but it’s so common most people consider it normal.

It’s not.

Your basement may be underground, but it should have the same benefits as the rest of your house. The environment should be comfortable and have little difference from the rest of your home.

Along with moisture you may see, or even smell, mold is another red flag. Mold produces irritants that can cause allergies or health issues. Some more dangerous types of mold can generate toxins.

If you find yourself suddenly suffering from trouble breathing, headaches, or skin irritation it may be time to check for mold. 

2. Changes in Your Walls

Some cracking in concrete walls is natural. You’ll see it from shrinkage when it dries and as the soil around your foundation shifts over time. There’s no preventing this.

If you see cracks that are larger than a hairline, you’re allowing water in. You may even find water staining around the cracks, direct proof you have a wet basement.

Stop Trouble in Its Tracks

Preventing a wet basement is one of the best things you can do for the safety and value of your home.

Whether you’re seeing signs of a leaking basement or you’re ready to prevent it, you need a reliable contractor.

We offer a 100% guaranteed warranty on our work for the life of your home. Contact us today and put the safety of your family first!

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