The Importance of Waterproofing Basement Walls, Explained

Protect your basement with preventive measures. Did you know that a flooded basement can cost you 3000-10,000 dollars to clean up on average? If you want to learn about waterproofing basement walls, we can help.

This guide will go over why homeowners choose to waterproof their basement walls. You’ll learn about what could happen if you don’t take preventive measures.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading.

What Is Basement Waterproofing?

Waterproofing your basement involves treating your basement to protect it from moisture.

When floods occur, water gathers at the lowest part of a building, typically the basement. Since your basement’s underground, your home can become vulnerable to water damage.

Water and rain will seep into your walls if you don’t have a decent drainage system. Your crawl space or basement is more vulnerable to moisture. Moisture can build up over time and wreak havoc on a home.

If your basement isn’t well-ventilated, it will also remain a risk factor for mold. Leaking ducts, water pipes, or cracks in your wall can let moisture slip inside. Poor ventilation or condensation are also common culprits.

What Causes the Moisture in Your Basement?

Before you begin your waterproofing system, you need to find the water’s location.

Moisture can form in a basement for a few different reasons. Does your area have a high water table? The risk of flooding basements is higher.

If precipitation’s high in your region, groundwater will accumulate around the foundation. The water will put pressure on the walls and heighten the risk of cracking.

Was your home not waterproofed when it was first built? Follow a few extra steps to protect it.

Other issues that impact a basement are cold surface temperatures, missing downspouts, improper grading, and inadequate air conditioning.

The ventilation remains key to keeping your basement devoid of mold and moisture. You can improve ventilation by adding dehumidifiers and fans in your basement. If you have windows, open them up in your basement.

If you need help with waterproofing your basement, call a local professional or Armored Basement Waterproofing. Someone can come and make changes to your basement.

You Can Protect Your House’s Foundation

Your basement is vital to your home’s foundation, which keeps your house stable and safe.

If water seeps into the foundation, you could have foundational issues. Damages could include cracks or building settlements.

Waterproofing will help to prevent these foundational issues. Get a sump pump or a drain tile added. Waterproofing your basement will also lengthen the lifespan of your structure.

Protect Your Properties

Basements tend to be multi-functional in a lot of houses. Some people will create a gaming den, while others will use it for extra storage space.

Is your basement a multi-purpose area? Then it’s even more imperative that you begin waterproofing your basement.

A lot of items can get damaged from a basement flood. Waterproofing will protect the areas in your basement from moisture or further damage.

If someone uses the basement as their bedroom, call in a professional to complete the job.

Avoid Flooding Issues

A lot of homeowners deal with flooding problems in their basement.

Unfortunately, flooding has increased due to the changing climate. If your basement is below the foundation level, you should invest in waterproofing.

Flash floods and rising groundwater will cause floods. Look at investing in essential waterproofing. If persistent flooding occurs in your area, you could suffer severe damage.

Preventive Measures Against Pests and Mold

Mold will grow in moist and damp environments. Mildew and mold will cause issues in people who struggle with asthma or allergies. It can affect the wooden structure in your building and could damage stability.

A damp basement is a perfect climate for mold growth. Basements have become a popular spot for pests because of the quieter space. Rats often get attracted to a cool and moist area like a basement.

Prevent pest issues and mold by waterproofing.

Enjoy Lowered Energy Costs

Did you know energy prices tend to increase in a wet and warm basement?

Water retains higher temperatures for a longer period. Cracks in a foundation from a moist basement will widen. Air can pass through your home, increasing the cost to cool or heat it.

Energy efficiency is critical for homeowners. The energy efficiency of your building will decrease if you have a leaking basement. You will lower your footprint on the environment and enjoy a cost reduction.

What About Insurance Claims?

Flooded basements will cost a ton in repairs. You might need to pay for wall replacements and repaint the entire room.

If you need to finish the job yourself, you will spend a lot. Yet, if you make an insurance claim, it will still cost to make a claim. Consider looking into basement wall waterproofing. You can avoid some of these expenses.

Increasing Your Home’s Value

Did you know waterproofing your basement can increase its salability?

Buyers notice these small things and become impressed during a showing. By waterproofing your basement, you show that you care about the house’s integrity.

Dry basements in top shape will also interest future home buyers.

Look Into Waterproofing Your Basement

We hope this guide on the importance of waterproofing your basement was helpful.

You can protect the integrity of your home, avoid mold issues, and more. Consider hiring a technician to finish the job if you need to complete the job.

Are you looking for home improvement tips? We have an entire section on the blog for you to check out today.