Basement Waterproofing 101: 5 Do's and Dont's You Should Take Note
Basement waterproofing is one of the essential methods to protect your home from structural damage due to water leaks and floods. Most homeowners overlook the necessity of keeping the basement dry and functional. Whatever the purpose of your basement, you have to know the risks of a leaky basement. It is best to address the issue before it damages your house. And because every house is designed differently, it is vital to assess your own home. As a homeowner, you have to start making plans on how to prevent water from coming in, and what type of waterproofing method you need to execute. Moreover, you have to make sure that regular maintenance is implemented to keep your home safe, secure and disease-free.
While there are many basement waterproofing services offered by various companies, you can always seek help from your local central coast waterproofing services. Engaging with professionals will not only help you with your basement waterproofing needs, but they can give you expert advice on how to maintain your basement. Moreover, these professionals can also deliver remedial repairs and leak detection repairs that are very common issues in your basement. In the meantime, read on to learn several basement waterproofing tips that you can apply.
1. Do Inspect Cracks on Your Basement Floors And Walls
With the wear and tear process, your basement can become vulnerable to damage, particularly, cracks on the walls and floors. Moisture and weather elements can significantly impact your structure and cause foundation cracks. Because most homeowners do not really make it their priority to maintain the basement, the cracks can cause serious problems and can be the source of accidents and unwanted injuries. Hence, regular inspection can make a difference, helping you to identify the problems. Moreover, inspecting the floors and walls will make it easy for you to resolve the issues before it becomes a major problem.
Unfortunately, there are instances wherein you don’t have the time to check your basement due to your hectic work schedules, family responsibilities or business ventures. Thus, it is also wise to have a professional do the inspection. Professionals are very thorough and are highly trained to detect areas that need urgent attention. They also know the right solution, as well as they can give you the right advice. Another important thing to consider when checking the basement is the amount of moisture present in the area. You need to determine the areas where moisture is present because if left neglected, they can be the source of moulds and mildews. If moulds are not dealt with, it will lead to serious health issues.
2. Don’t Ignore Your Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and spouts are important components of your house, as well as a protective component to control the flow of rainwater away from your roof, foundation and structure. If your gutter is full of leaves, debris, and other dirt particles, it highly contributes to the interior damage of your home, including your basement. Moreover, if your gutters are overlooked for a long time, the build-up of debris and dirt can cause basement leaks because water will just overflow. Hence, it is important to regularly clean your gutter so that you would not only protect your basement but also save you a lot of money for repairs and replacements.
On the other hand, you must never ignore your downspouts because the water that flows from it may go directly to your house. It is important that your downspout is facing away from your house. This is to guide the water away from your structure and foundation. If you notice that water has been flowing towards your house, you need to reposition your downspout. If you are not sure how to fix it, you can always ask the help of a professional. Aside from your gutter and downspout, you also need to inspect your drainage system because this might also be the reason for the leaking. Sometimes, homeowners immediately call for a basement renovation or repair without clearly diagnosing the problem.
3. Do Check The Source Of The Leaks
The main objective of identifying the source of the leak is to know whether it is from rainwater, from the inside plumbing issues, or from condensation. When you have identified the source of the leak in your basement, you will be able to provide the correct and effective solution. To do this, you need to look for dampness and brown stains on your walls and ceiling. The stains on your walls and ceilings mean that water has been absorbed from the inside. With that, the water leak is mostly coming from defective plumbing, groundwater seepage and rainwater accumulation. Another thing that you could also be looking at is the presence of Efflorescence which is a white chalky material clinging on the walls. This is a sign of high humidity levels. Identifying the source of the leaks will save your structure from severe damage.
4. Don’t Rely On DIY Sealants
DIY basement projects are very common to homeowners for the purpose of saving some money. However, not all DIYs give an effective solution, especially when it comes to fixing any leak. Although it is easy to just buy sealants to cover and fix your basement problems, it is not always beneficial. You may temporarily resolve the problem but in the long run, this will only cost you more money on repairs.
5. Do Call Professional Waterproofing Service
When it comes to fixing the problem of your basement water leakage, the best solution is to contact your local professional waterproofing service. Basement waterproofing can be done correctly by trained and licensed contractors. This will save you on future repairs, prevent hazards, and provide you with the needed convenience. Moreover, seeking the help of professionals will provide you with a wide range of waterproofing services. With the many methods and options, you can ultimately prevent waterlogging.
To conclude, finding the right company to install a professional waterproofing system for your basement can utterly give you peace of mind.
