Your basement is probably the most dreaded room in your home. Sure, it’s handy for storage, but as far as your family goes, it’s not a space you’re pleased about being inside. It’s dark, damp, and claustrophobic, with the potential for flooding and rodent invasions. Well, luckily for you, basement waterproofing is the answer to all of your problems. With basement waterproofing, you can transform your basement into a comfortable, well-lit room with tons of natural light and your own private space; no rodents needed. However, your journey down this basement waterproofing path is not without its pitfalls, as any homeowner who has ever done it can attest. It’s tiresome, messy, and uncomfortable, and you may need a bit of help along the way.
To bring you the best advice on watering your basement, enlisted are crucial advice and suggestions on how to venture down this path with the most success. So, please take a deep breath, and read on to find out what basement waterproofing is all about and why it’s such a big deal.
What Does Basement Waterproofing Mean?
When you hear the term basement waterproofing, you probably think of the concrete work that needs to be done to your home’s concrete slab. However, this is not always the case. Basement waterproofing is the process of taking care of the drainage and waterproofing problems in your basement, preventing the problems from arising in the first place. It comprises distinct parts, including detailed evaluation, drafting the plan, waterproofing your home’s foundation, re-grading your yard so that water can run off, installing a drainage system and watertight sump pump, and installing a waterproofing membrane on the walls.
Further, basement waterproofing entails complete cleanup and restoration of your basement. In the end, you should be left with a dry, safe basement that everyone in your family can enjoy. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially if you’re experiencing flooding and constant water issues. The water itself causes problems, like mould and fungus growing on your floors and walls. It also means that the concrete slab is more likely to crack and rot. Luckily, there are solutions to all of these problems!
For instance, when you choose to work with a professional basement waterproofing company, you are entitled to an in-depth basement evaluation of your home’s drainage issues. Basement waterproofing isn’t something you’re going to be able to do yourself, and you will need the help of experts to make sure your basement doesn’t end up more of a problem than a space you can use and enjoy. Once you know the cause of your basement’s issues, you can take care of them. Basement waterproofing might not be the most glamorous home improvement project, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most necessary.
Reasons for Leaky Basement
One of the many things that can cause a basement to leak is failing waterproofing, among many other reasons. If your basement starts leaking, it’s essential to know why it’s happening and what you can do to fix it. Enlisted are a few common reasons why your basement might be leaking, along with a few tips to help you determine the issue and what to do about it. But first, let’s discuss the three primary sources of basement moisture.
1. Interior Moisture Sources:
Water from kitchen sinks, showers, or toilets. As little as 3 – 5 gallons of water from these sources can add up to thousands of gallons of water per year. A typical family of four can use about 150 gallons of water each day. That’s a lot for your foundation to handle!
2. Condensation:
There is a lot of condensation in the basement due to varying temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. The colder outdoor air gets pushed into the basement, where it can take on more moisture. This moisture results in water that is trapped in the basement. So, when the warm air from the indoor air gets pushed down into the basement, the water evaporates, causing puddles and leaky basement.
3. Rain or Groundwater:
Rain or groundwater can also cause water issues in your basement. If your home is built on a slope, water will be forced into your basement, leaking through cracks. Even if it’s not, just 1 inch of rain can cause 1250 gallons of water to pour onto your lovely home. And if you don’t have a functional drainage system in place, you’re bound to have a massive mess including, but not limited to, mould, fungus, corrosion, and even structural damages. Now that we have established the many reasons for moisture entry into your basement, let’s go over some common reasons for leaking.
