Purchasing a house is one of the most significant milestones in any adult’s life. The process is evidence of your readiness to invest in your future. However, the home-buying journey is just the beginning. You also have to ensure that you uphold the quality of your property through proper maintenance strategies.
One way to do that is to waterproof your basement. You can do this project on your own, but you can also save yourself the trouble and hire specialists to do the task. Learn more about this type of service at oriolebasementwaterproofing.com.
If you’re still hesitant about the importance of waterproofing your basement, here are some benefits that should convince you:
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Prevent Flooding
One of the primary advantages of basement waterproofing is that it helps prevent flooding. Whether you live in an area where it always rains or not, you should make sure that your home’s interior is protected from moisture and other natural elements.
Hurricanes and the winter season can make your residence susceptible to damage from rain and hail. Moisture can significantly harm the appliances and furniture you place in your basement.
These are the steps involved in waterproofing your basement:
Dig Outside Your Home
This project entails digging throughout the outer perimeter of your house to see whether there are boards that have split apart or other possible entryways for water.
With this, you can apply the appropriate products to seal these holes.
Be on the Lookout for Cracks
After the excavation, you must scout your basement’s interior and exterior to check for cracks or holes.
If you can, bring along a hose to sprinkle water to the walls and check the other side whether moisture already has seeped inside.
Apply Sealant and Membrane
Now that you’ve identified potential entryways for water, you should apply hydraulic cement, cement-based sealant, and waterproofing membrane to seal your basement thoroughly.
Put Up a Drainage Mat
Find a drainage mat with molded dimples to produce air gaps between the walls. This way, moisture will be redirected toward the drain structure.
Install a Weeping Tile
Also called a French drain, this type of pipe is placed at the base of the footing to change the water level below the basement floor. You might also want to install cleanouts for better cleaning access.
Protect From Structural Damage
To keep your home standing proudly throughout the years, you have to ensure that your foundation is sturdy.
Basement waterproofing makes sure that no moisture can seep through your foundation, which is particularly valuable if your pillars are made of wood.
Moisture can also damage other vital parts of your home, like the joints and edges where the walls and floor meet. The most worrisome part of this issue is that you might be unable to spot early signs of the problem, and it might be too late when you do notice the issue.
Maintain Healthy Home Environment
Water seeping through your basement can lead to the growth of health hazards, such as mold and mildew.
These irritants can cause diseases, like allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems, when they leak through your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Mold and mildew thrive in hard-to-reach areas that are typically unnoticeable or hidden. Waterproofing your basement can reduce the risk of having these allergens grow in your home and harming your household.
Reduce Energy Costs
Protecting your basement from water damage can also affect your utility bill. Excess moisture can increase the humidity in your home, which, in turn, can lead your HVAC system to work double-time during summer.
Waterproofing the lowest part of your house can ease the burden on your ventilation equipment. Plus, ensuring that all cracks are sealed can also increase energy efficiency in the colder months because it prevents icy air from seeping into your home.
Boost Property Value
A well-maintained house from the inside out offers a lot of value to the homeowner and potential buyers.
Even if you’re not planning to sell your residence anytime soon, you should still maintain its quality because boosting your property’s worth entails a long-term investment of time, money, blood, and sweat.
Conclusion
Basement waterproofing is a vital maintenance procedure for any home. It helps prevent flooding and protects your house from structural damage.
This process also ensures a healthy home environment because it reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, which can cause significant harm to the health of your family. Moreover, if you want to reduce energy costs and increase your property’s value, you should invest in this service.
