A flooded basement is every homeowner’s nightmare. As we all know, no one wants to experience basement flooding because it means costly renovation expenses. A damp basement can cause damage to your entire home and may lead to mold growth that can pose a health risk to the family. A basement prone to flooding negatively affects the quality of your home and it could decrease its value by up to 20%.
Once you experience basement flooding, there’s only one effective way to solve the problem and keep it from coming back: waterproofing. However, you must hire a professional waterproofing company to do the job right.
Basement waterproofing could be costly and overwhelming for homeowners, but you can’t ignore leaky foundation walls or water forming your basement floor. Solving the problem once and for all will save you a lot in the long run. To help homeowners like you understand more about basement waterproofing, here’s a complete guide:
What Is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing refers to eliminating moisture and water from the basement and placing a waterproofing system to prevent the event from recurring. Every homeowner needs to have basement waterproofing as the water can enter the basement in different ways. Remember, your basement doesn’t require a large opening for water to enter inside. Water and moisture can enter the basement through the window sill or even pores between the bricks.
As far as basement waterproofing is concerned, you can apply different techniques to keep your basement dry. It’s essential to use robust sealant materials and install sump pipes and drains to successfully waterproof your basement. You can also visit https://oriolebw.com/ to learn more about how to waterproof your basement.
Winston-Salem, NC is home to a wide variety of foundation waterproofing repair services. Whether you are looking for solutions to prevent water damage or repairs after the water has already infiltrated your home, there are many companies that offer these services. Click here to find out more about the different options available in Winston-Salem.
Typically, the most effective and common waterproofing solutions for your home are as follows:
Exterior Basement Waterproofing
The cause of a wet basement is often located in the exterior of your home. Therefore, it’s important to check outside the basement’s walls when waterproofing the basement.
Exterior basement waterproofing is more complex than the sealing process used in interior basement waterproofing. Hence, you should consult a reputable waterproofing company to determine the exterior basement waterproofing methods suitable for your home.
Interior Basement Waterproofing
Interior basement waterproofing is the most affordable and straightforward waterproofing method. It ensures all cracks and holes in your basement floor, walls, and around doors and windows are sealed completely to prevent moisture and water from entering the basement. Since water and humidity take advantage of any basement opening, sealing these openings can help ensure the basement remains dry.
Basement Drain Systems
Poor drainage is the leading cause of moisture issues in basements. With proper drainage, you’re guaranteed a dry basement and a mold-free home.
The objective of the basement drainage system is to direct water away from your property’s foundation. Luckily, there are various basement pump systems in the market to help control water around your property to prevent basement flooding.
When Do You Need Basement Waterproofing?
A flooded basement doesn’t happen without warning; it usually exhibits some early signs. If you’re keen on inspecting your basement, you might see the following signs that indicate the need for waterproofing:
Damp Odor
If you enter your basement and notice the air is damp or you inhale a musty odor, it indicates that you require basement waterproofing as soon as possible. While you might not see physical signs of moisture in your basement, the smell itself suggests that there’s a disaster waiting to happen if proper measures are not taken.
Floor And Wall Cracks
If there’s even the tiniest crack on the floor or walls of your basement, it shows that water is somehow penetrating. Fortunately, fixing cracks is easier and more budget-friendly. Whether there are signs of water leaking in the basement or not, seek the professional services of a basement waterproofing company. The cracks won’t go by themselves and will only worsen over time.
Visible Mildew Or Mold
Mold shouldn’t be ignored as it can lead to life-threatening health conditions. Since mold grows and thrives in a wet environment, spotting it indicates that your basement is leaking. If you come across mold in your basement, contact a waterproofing company to get the basement waterproofed as soon as possible.
What Causes A Wet Basement?
Basement flooding may result from various factors, including:
Drainage Issues
Proper drainage plays a significant role in preventing flooding. If your drainage isn’t functioning correctly, the first area in your home to experience flooding will be the basement.
Poor Basement Sealing
Your basement floor and walls should be adequately sealed to prevent water from entering through them. If your basement isn’t properly sealed, you’ll probably experience a wet basement.
System Failure
If the system in your basement stops working efficiently, you’re bound to encounter a flooded basement. Ensure sump pumps and water supply lines in your basement are working well to prevent flooding.
Cracked Foundation
Water can seep through the tiniest cracks in your basement. If the water around your property isn’t directed away from your home’s foundation, it accumulates around it, causing the pressure to form cracks in your basement. Regardless of how cracks form in your basement, they can lead to a wet basement.
Condensation
Condensation in a basement occurs when warm and moist air combines with the cool floor and walls of the basement. As the walls cool the warm air, moisture is formed. This process makes the basement clammy and your appliances prone to rust.
In addition, condensation can cause wood rot and dampen the carpets. It also contributes to insect infestation.
Conclusion
Basement waterproofing is vital to any home as flooding is inconvenient and dangerous. Additionally, flooding can reduce the value of your property.
Basement flooding is sometimes caused by unavoidable events such as heavy rains. But in most cases, flooding in your basement is avoidable. One way to prevent your basement from flooding is to check your home’s exterior for any issues that can lead to flooding and ensure they’re fixed.
Also, if your home is built on a slope, you should check for water runoff as it can lead to a wet basement. Remember, even the most minor leaks shouldn’t be ignored as they can cause a disaster that could cost a fortune to reverse. And that gives you all the more reason to prioritize waterproofing your basement.