Home water damage is a costly issue to contend with. Basements are especially prone to home water leaks. Drywall repairs alone can cost an average of $300 to $1,000.
A leaky basement is not only unpleasant to be in and look at, but it’s also potentially dangerous. Mold propagates quickly in damp, dark areas. There’s also the matter of safety concerns from weakening structures.
Luckily, there are water waterproofing solutions that can help keep your basement safe and dry. Before we continue, however, we should note these methods’ effectiveness depends on the source of the water.
We’ll tell you when one of the home waterproofing solutions may or may not work and the methods’ reliability in a given situation. Let’s explore what home improvements you can make to prevent water damage.
Proper Grading May Help
You may imagine having a perfectly flat lawn, but that’s a bad thing. Flat yards flood. Standing water will damage your lawn and erode your foundation.
A lawn tilted toward your home is no better. Gravity carries water downhill causing it to settle around your house. Eventually, it seeps into your basement and foundation.
Grading helps prevent home water leaks by shifting yards so they slope away from your home. Repositioning soil away from structures is a “positive grade.” Dirt slated toward buildings is a “negative grade.”
Grading’s effectiveness depends on the water source. If the water comes from landscaping and water routing issues, grading can be a valid way to prevent water damage.
The issue, though, is most basement leaks come from hydrostatic pressure and improperly sealed foundations. Hydrostatic pressure is when still water presses against a surface.
The water eventually exerts so much pressure it seeps into your foundation and basement. You may want to call a waterproofing company to check what’s causing your leak.
Add or Replace Exterior Drainage and Damp-Proofing
Homes are often built with a drainage pipe next to the foundation footing to catch leaking water. The process also involves tar or damp coating to keep moisture from entering your home.
Oftentimes, the pipe ends up crushed or clogged with sediment and dirt. The waterproof coating is also prone to deteriorating over time. You can dig to the footing and replace the pipe and coating.
There are three issues with this, however. The first is there is no guarantee you won’t have to replace the pipe and coating again. The second problem is you risk destroying your landscaping.
The third complication is replacing this exterior drainage is not cheap. It’s not the best solution for people operating on a budget.
Maintain Your Plumbing
Plumbing upkeep is a simple, efficient way to prevent home water leaks. Basement pipes can become the bane of your existence if improperly maintained.
Plumbing can burst from clogs, freezing, corrosion, and high pressure. Dramatic pressure changes may signal something serious is wrong with your pipes. You should call for assistance immediately.
It’s generally recommended to have your plumbing inspected every two years. Also, consider adding insulation to prevent damage from freezing.
Add a Sump Pump
Sump pumps are many homeowners’ best defense from basement flooding. A sump pump sits at your basement’s lowest point and sucks water out.
These pumps operate off your home’s electricity but should have a backup power source. The backup battery should hold for a few years, but you should check it throughout each year to ensure it still works.
Sump pumps need regular cleaning as well. How often you clean the pump depends on the make and model. You should consult your owner’s manual for advice on when to clean the unit.
Your sump pump will work best alongside an interior drainage system. This drainage catches water entering from the walls, floor, and cove (intersection of the walls and floor).
Add a Dehumidifier
High humidity may be the most insidious source of home water damage. There is no visible leak, but rather too much moisture in the air, forming condensation on basement surfaces.
This dampness can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air by converting it to a liquid. What dehumidifier you choose depends on a few factors:
- Basement size
- How it drains
- Your basement humidity level
You can purchase a unit that integrates into your HVAC system. Integrated dehumidifiers are even more convenient. They’re easier to clean and help HVAC units run more efficiently.
Don’t Use Waterproof Paints or Sealants
Waterproof paint and sealants sound like the easiest waterproofing solutions you could use. The fact is, there is technically no such thing as “waterproof” paint or sealant.
These paints and sealants don’t prevent water damage because they are prone to it themselves. They’ll crack and bubble when exposed to enough liquid.
One sign of water seepage is your walls will become encrusted with a chalk-like substance called efflorescence. Efflorescence is when salt from inside masonry accumulates on the outside of concrete or brickwork.
Waterproof paint and sealants don’t work because they do not stop hydrostatic pressure. Enough pressure can even cause foundational bowing and cracks.
Water won’t stop entering your basement unless you divert it elsewhere. Sump pumps electrically remove water, and indoor French drains help wisk liquid away with piping and gravity.
Waterproof paints and seals only hide how much moisture you’re dealing with. They can make it more difficult to pinpoint the issue and are a temporary solution, at best.
Do You Need Waterproofing Solutions?
You have your pick of various waterproofing solutions to prevent home water leaks. Some methods depend on the water source, others are temporary, and some are plainly ineffective.
The best way to prevent water damage is to call and consult with a waterproofing company. Their job is to assess the situation and implement a plan to keep your basement water-free.
Armored Basement Waterproofing installs window and stair drains. We also offer foundation repair and crawlspace encapsulation.
We also offer lifetime warranties for our Armored Basement Waterproofing Systems. You can contact us anytime to schedule a free inspection.
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