The Do’s And Don'ts Of Basement Waterproofing

Posted On Thursday, 13 May 2021 20:06

Leaks and wet basements are almost every homeowner’s problem. The unpleasant smell and visible damages to your property can become a hazard to everyone in your household. It may also cost you money that's beyond your budget to fix.  

It’s your responsibility to solve this issue early as possible to prevent severe basement flooding and leaks. Many people often have their basement waterproofed to ensure that their property won’t de damaged further. However, unlike minor repairs inside your house, waterproofing requires expertise and a more extensive process. So, before you go start waterproofing your basement, here are some guidelines you need to keep in mind to ensure that the job will be done properly.  

Do Your Research  

Basement waterproofing is a major job that requires comprehensive planning. There are different types of waterproofing, such as interior drainage, sealants, exterior waterproofing. The kind of method you’ll use will depend on the structure of your home and the current condition of your basement. It’s advisable that you determine what would work best for your house first before you spend any money. After all, waterproofing your basement won’t come cheap and is considered a long-term investment. 

If you can, try to ask for recommendations from your neighbors or friends on reliable companies that do waterproofing services. You should also start budgeting your money before you hire anyone since professional waterproofing isn’t cheap. Although it may cost you a significant amount of money initially, doing this construction work will lessen your need for repairs in the future.  

Don’t Attempt to Use Instant Solutions  

If your purpose for waterproofing your basement is a leak that’s starting to cause damages to your home, don’t seek an easy fix that will only last for a few weeks. Using DIY sealants and ignoring the source of the leakage will only be a waste of time and money. Once the cover you used wears off, the problem will just return.  

It’s better for you to seek professional services from companies like Direct Waterproofing, instead of doing the work yourself, so you can be sure that the waterproofing job in your basement will last longer. Experienced workers can pinpoint the source of the problem and provide you advice on how to solve it. You'll also feel at ease knowing that they won’t damage your house further, especially when major works or repairs are needed before waterproofing.  

Do Inspect Your Water Lines 

One common reason for damp basements or leaks is broken or old pipes. If you start to see mold or leaks on your basement walls, then you may want to check if the cause is coming from your water line. You should conduct regular inspections to see if your house has any problems besides leaks that need to be addressed.  

You may need to do some external digging to clean out and inspect your lines. This is because a simple blockage may cause water to build up in certain areas and eventually seep into your walls. If the waterproofing work you need is extensive, this procedure may be necessary. If you want to ensure that your basement will be free from leakage, you can also hire someone to improve your water drainage system. 

Don’t Postpone The Works  

Ideally, all the waterproofing works you need for your property should be done before the rainy season. You don’t want to wait until the damage is too severe before you seek professional assistance. If you postpone waterproofing your basement, even a simple drizzle may cause damages to your house.  

You don’t want the value of your home to depreciate, especially when you have plans to sell it in the future. You’ll also feel uncomfortable when the interior of your home is unpleasant. This is why it’s best that you prioritize solving any leakage problem before it worsens. If you can, try to schedule the basement waterproofing during the summer when there’s no rain so the works will be done without unexpected delays.  

Do Maintain Your Basement  

You shouldn’t feel complacent once your basement is waterproof. You still need to ensure that your gutters and foundation drained are cleaned regularly. A backed-up gutter or drain could dump loads of water against the foundation of your home. 

If this happens, your house could sustain some damages, even if it’s minimal. Cleaning your gutters from fallen leaves and other debris will prevent the water from being blocked and ensure that it will flow where it should.  

Final Thoughts 

Waterproofing your basement is a necessary part of maintaining the condition of your house. It’s a long-term investment that will prevent any damages caused by rain, broken pipes, or flooding.  

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