Waterproofing your basement will protect your property below ground level, and your home overall. Whether you use the basement for storing personal possessions, or as an extension to your home, procedures should be carried out to reduce many risk factors. External and internal waterproofing may be required depending on your needs.
- Moisture and mold growth is prevented
Moisture generates mold and mildew. This not only looks unsightly, but can lead to health problems, such as coughing, throat irritation, and eye/skin irritation. Dark, moist places are the ideal place for mold to grow. Moisture will seep through any cracks creating damp and mold and can cause ongoing problems.
- Prevent structural damage
Your home needs protecting against foundation damage. Basement waterproofing can reduce the chances of cracking walls and protect your home including anything stored within the basement. If you see signs, such as cracks, it could be due to high pressure and water damage, which points to a waterproofing issue. If this isn’t rectified, then it could result in foundation problems. The joints and edges must be protected from excess water to avoid structural damage and costly repairs.
- Reduce risk to your home
You may not currently have signs of moisture problems and visible effects, but why take the risk? Currently, things may seem to be in hand, but changes in weather can result in issues arising, increasing the financial outlay. Heavy rainfall can cause problems in proper draining making water damage foreseeable. Melting snow can also cause problems as it can fall in high quantities and, again, finds a place to drain when it melts. Taking the risk away in the first place protects your belongings, health, and also protects your home from more serious issues.
- Reduce risk to your health
Humid space is a haven for dust mites and can cause a number of health problems. Dust mites are known to be one of the leading causes of asthma and allergies and can aggravate the condition affecting your health. If you have damp problems in your basement the water can’t drain away, so it evaporates into the air and into the rest of your home. The humidity is increased throughout your home attracting other mites and insects.
- Clean living
Damp and moldy conditions can be unsanitary if you’re using the basement as a living space, and can also damage stored belongings. Keeping it clean is much easier without mold growth and leaks. Even if you considered basement waterproofing for the above reasons initially, after the procedure is completed you may find that it’s an ideal underground area for other means.
The complex process of waterproofing a basement requires the skills of highly trained experts in this area. The potential once the procedure has been completed allows you to make full use of the area with a much lower risk to your home and possessions. Waterproofing in the basement should only be completed by a professional you trust as you need a suitable method for your property.