Since water can do so much damage to a structure, it’s important to look for solutions to waterproof parts of your home that are prone to water damage. The basement can be prone to moisture, condensation, flooding, and exposure to water pooling from the outside. Furthermore, the surrounding soil could become heavier and weigh down on the foundations of your home. Therefore, complete waterproofing will need to be done on the outside and inside of your basement to avoid damage and more.
But for many homeowners, the concept of basement waterproofing is still unclear. Understandably, it’s also essential to learn more about any significant changes and home improvements on their property. To clarify, here are some of the primary things anyone should know about basement waterproofing:
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Can’t Just Be DIYed
When it comes to basement waterproofing, all kinds of materials, equipment, and tools need to be used. It also requires knowledge about construction, plumbing, and more to ensure that it’s done correctly. Therefore, it’s vital to get professional basement waterproofing companies to do it for you. Otherwise, you’ll be doing more harm than good if you try to do it yourself.
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Has Two Main Parts
There are two types of basement waterproofing: interior and exterior. Homeowners can choose to have both done to their homes or they could simply get one process done.
Interior waterproofing involves fixing any cracks by using epoxy to seal them and then installing a sump pump with a backup battery pack to ensure it works even during electricity outages. Additional things can be done to improve interior waterproofing, such as installing window wells, adding egress windows, and reinforcing walls.
While interior waterproofing is exceptionally effective, it’s best to pair it with outside basement waterproofing, too. This will help keep water from pooling outside of the basement, which can take a toll on the basement’s walls. In addition, other drainage systems will also be installed in the lawn and driveway to make sure the water will be directed away from the structure.
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Will Cause Some Disturbances At Home
Preparing for basement waterproofing is important because it’ll cause severe disturbances in your home. It can be loud and cause a lot of stir, which won’t help you relax while construction is being done. Plus, there will be people walking in and around your property, so you might have to secure your property and mentally prepare yourself.
However, the disturbances might be a small price to pay in comparison to its many benefits. Mopping up pools of water, wiping down mold, and trying to dry the items that get wet in your basement can be a huge hassle, especially if you have to do it regularly.
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Can Take Around 2-5 Days
While many home improvements can be made relatively quickly, waterproofing will take more time. Depending on how much work and repairs need to be done, it can take around two to five days to finish. So, it’s best to ask for an inspection of the foundation and the basement to find out the exact time.
It would also help to get the waterproofing done long before stormy or snowy weather comes. This way, you’re ready for any water or moisture that comes your way.
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It’s A Long-Term Investment
Although this whole construction can be costly, disturbing, and time-consuming, it’s a serious investment with incredible benefits, like the following.
- Helps reduce water damage
- Can get rid of bad musty smells
- Helps deal with mold problems
- Can convert your basement into a more useable room
- Enables you to avoid financial losses from damaged items and future repairs
- Improves your property’s value
- Ensures that your home is more structurally sound
As mentioned, water can cause so many problems in your home. For instance, it can break down the foundation of your home and even cause an unhealthy environment. However, the costs that amount to dealing with water damage, mold removal, and repairing a damaged foundation might be more costly in the long run. So, it’s best to avoid the trouble altogether and keep your basement as dry as possible.
Conclusion
There are all kinds of things that you could do to improve your basement and even your entire home. Upgrading your basement flooring will be a great way to help the structure. Without basement waterproofing, any material can still be ruined by water. If this is something that you want to avoid, it’s crucial to invest in the right basement waterproofing process. This way, you could save yourself from the trouble of flooding, mold, and so much more.
