A basement that’s flooded can give even the most confident homeowner a sense of confusion and panic. This is because the items you have in the basement, as well as your health, are put at risk when there’s flooding. To make matters worse, your insurance company may not be able to replace all the stuff that got damaged by the basement flood. To avoid all these problems, basement waterproofing is crucial. However, not many homeowners understand what it means to waterproof a basement. Is basement waterproofing worth it? And does waterproofing a basement work?
Continue reading below to learn everything about basement waterproofing.
What Does Waterproofing a Basement Mean?
A wet/flooding basement is a common problem faced by many homeowners. The good news is, there’s a solution for this. Waterproofing a basement simply means putting defensive measures to avoid moisture and molds from ruining your basement and health. This is normally done by a professional who uses certain materials and techniques to accomplish the work. The overall goal of basement waterproofing is to make your basement dry at all times.
Is waterproofing a basement worth it? Well, basement waterproofing will save you money, time, and energy. Don’t wait until your basement gets damaged to take action. If you avoid waterproofing your basement now, you may end up spending more money, time, and energy fixing it. You definitely don’t want that happening. The best option is to take action now by waterproofing it.
Waterproofing your basement will also add value to your home in case you plan to sell your house in the future.
Related: 4 Benefits of Basement Remodeling
Why do basements get flooded?
Basements tend to flood due to a number of reasons. Knowing these reasons may not only help you avoid the problems early on, but they’ll also help you pre-plan.
Below are the reasons why basements get flooded:
- Clogged, broken, or cracked pipes
- Problem with drainage tile
- Problem with sump pump
- Improperly sealed floor/wall
- Problem with a hot water tank
- Unmaintained foundation
- A clogged/blocked gutter
What Does Basement Waterproofing Involve?
Before you consider basement waterproofing, it’s vital to first consult a professional to examine your basement so as to do quality work. Basement Waterproofing involves the following:
Interior waterproofing:
This is the most common basement waterproofing method and it involves using a sealant to cover cracks and other areas.
Exterior waterproofing:
This basement waterproofing method involves coating the basement walls with a waterproof barrier. It can also include exterior drainage systems.
Drainage system installation:
This involves installing drainage systems in the interior or exterior basement space depending on the needs.
How Long Will Basement Waterproofing Last?
How long basement waterproofing lasts will depend on how well it’s maintained, the method used, and the work that was done. Most crack sealers and primers have a 10-year warranty. If you choose exterior waterproofing, expect it to last for so many years since it’s almost maintenance-free. Choosing professionals with the experience to do the work will also ensure your waterproofing lasts longer.
If you want quality and professional waterproofing done to your basement, feel free to contact R&S Basement for your basement remodeling in Alpharetta.