Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It?

Is basement waterproofing worth it? Here is all you should know if you are in doubt.

There have been lots of improvements in the way moisture problems are managed. This includes waterproofing a basement. The basement area of a home is either partly or completely below ground level.

This creates an increased moisture situation as it seeks to penetrate the basement walls and floor.

So, while it’s clear that basement waterproofing seeks to combat moisture problems, is it worth the effort? If you’ve had doubts about the need for basement waterproofing, you’ll want to read this article to the end.

Here, we’re focused on providing the right answers to this question.

Is Basement Waterproofing A Worthy Investment?

One of the best ways to prevent water seepage into a basement is by having it properly waterproofed.

Basement waterproofing simply refers to the action taken to seal off water trickling or seeping into the basement wall or floor.

Several methods are applied for basement waterproofing. These range from the use of hydraulic cement to seal up cracks and also the use of other cement-based sealants.

A drainage mat or waterproof membrane may be installed to keep out moisture.

• Moisture Problems

To better explain whether basement waterproofing is worth the stress or not, a look at the problem is necessary.

Here, we’ll be taking a look at moisture problems in a basement. With an understanding of how it negatively impacts your home’s basement, you’re able to decide.

Speaking of moisture problems in the basement, let’s consider how such affects your home.

There are basically three issues arising from moisture presence ranging from health, and deterioration of your home’s foundation.

A problematic foundation due to moisture is bound to extend to the basement.

• Health Issues

Whenever a basement is damp, what unfolds is a condition that makes it favorable for mold and mildew growth.

Now, mold presence and growth are common catalysts for health issues like respiratory illnesses. The most common of these include pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma.

The continued presence of moisture leads to increased mold growth. This leads to a deterioration of your basement walls, thus causing a release of certain harmful chemical substances. This isn’t a condition to endure.

To better manage the situation, your basement will need to be waterproofed.

• Deterioration of Your Home’s Foundation

A building’s foundation is one of the most vulnerable when it comes to moisture exposure. The surrounding areas or grounds around your structure will determine whether you’ll be faced with moisture issues or not.

When your home is situated within the sloppy ground, how the slope goes will determine the effects. Areas sloping inwards (towards your building are bound to accumulate water.

This in turn seeps through your foundation leading to its steady damage.

To effectively solve this problem, multiple approaches will have to be taken. These range from the creation of drainages to carry water away from your home’s surroundings.

Also, some grading may be necessary to make the area less prone to collecting water around your home.

Basement waterproofing will also be needed as a necessary measure to guard against water problems. You don’t want to continue having moisture problems that could cause major damage to your building.

• Basement Deterioration

As moisture acts to destroy your foundation, what follows is a steady deterioration of your basement. This situation must not be addressed within the shortest possible time to check further spread of damage.

Waterproofing Benefits

Whenever a basement is waterproofed, lots of benefits are derived.

Among these is the improvement of resale value, enhanced air quality, and a reinforced foundation. Another is a reduction in costly repairs.

Let’s take a brief look at each of these benefits.

• Improvement of Resale Value

When a home’s basement is waterproofed, it instantly increases its resale value. You don’t have to repeat this as a good job done once remains until you’re ready to sell off your property.

The opposite applies when the basement isn’t waterproofed.

• Enhanced Air Quality

The introduction of spores by mildew and mold creates a problem.

Here, respiratory diseases are likely to break out when nothing is done to address the problem. This will require paying special focus to the cause.

The presence of moisture promotes mold and mildew growth. Waterproof your basement and you’d have succeeded in making it safer and healthier.

• Reinforced Foundation

With basement waterproofing, you get to improve the structure of your home. A reinforced foundation means that your home is more stable and safer.

• Reduction in Costly Repairs

Costly repairs are common for foundations having no form of waterproofing.

With continued exposure, there’s a steady deterioration of the structure. All that is changed with proper basement waterproofing. You won’t have to worry about spending on moisture-related repairs as there won’t be any.

Is It Necessary To Waterproof A Basement?

From our discussion so far, it’s evident that moisture issues are not only a threat to basements but also entire structures. You’ll need to weigh between two options; leaving your basement to be overwhelmed by moisture or addressing the problem.

Of course, most homeowners will go with the latter.

No one wants to look on while their basement deteriorates. So, coming back to the question of whether it’s worth the effort to waterproof your basement, the obvious answer will be a resounding yes!

It’s absolutely worth making the effort to waterproof or fix a basement from water problems. Now, implementing the step-by-step process of basement waterproofing is another area that requires the needed guidance.

Due to the nature of the problem, basement waterproofing is best performed by a trained and experienced professional. Calling the pros for such a job helps avoid any issues or errors that could result when an unskilled technician is providing such service.

Ask the Pros

The best way to fully understand the pros and cons (if any) of basement waterproofing is by seeking expert advice. You want to know whether your resolve to correct the existing moisture problem is in order.

So who’s an experienced professional? Seeking the help of structural engineers will be a great starting point.

These professionals assess your basement’s condition and proffer far-reaching solutions. The primary action taken in such cases mostly involves waterproofing.

A professional will recommend the best approach to take in fixing moisture issues. You also get to avoid certain actions considered unhelpful to tackling moisture issues in the basement.

Basement waterproofing is totally worth it. You want to keep and protect your building from moisture damage. With the tips provided here, you have all that it takes to make the right decision.