8 Reasons to Waterproof Your Basement

Waterproofing your basement will make your home more comfortable and usable, yet many people underestimate this essential home improvement because of the hidden nature of basements and foundations.

The basement is the part of your home most susceptible to water damage, being surrounded by soil and located below grade. The water released by the soil can end up in your basement through cracks and leaks, causing multiple problems such as building rot, peeling paint, termite damage, foundation collapse, etc.

Waterproofing your basement will reduce the chances of water and moisture damage and prevent the indoor air quality from being adversely affected. Not sure who you should contact? Check out this website.

If you would be interested in having a professional complete this service, there are numerous building treatment companies throughout Canada and the US, including Basement Waterproofing Kingston that offer waterproofing services for you. 

Here are more reasons why waterproofing your basement is one of the best things you can do for your home and health.

1. Protects the Foundation

Waterproofing can prevent your foundation from cracking as a result of absorbed moisture. As temperatures rise and fall, any trapped moisture can expand and contract, forming cracks that can impair the whole structural integrity of your building.

Waterproofing your basement and fixing leaks in basement walls can cut the risk of expensive foundation repairs. Basement waterproofing costs are also relatively reasonable.

Drainage systems in your basement and yard can also help protect from soil erosion and foundation shifting.

2. Lowers the Risk of Flooding

Waterproofing your basement reshapes the way water interacts with your house. It redirects it in a safe way. If your foundations are waterproofed, water will stay away from your house, thus lowering the risk of water entering your home.

Around 98% of all basements in the US will experience water damage throughout the lifetime of the property. It’s almost certain that if you have a basement, you’ll have to deal with water damage of some form at some point. Be sure to have a basement flooding repair company on file, when the need arises.

Learn more about using a Hydralastic waterproofing membrane, a waterproofing system that does not shrink and will not crack in extreme cold or flow due to softening at high temperatures.

 3. Protects Your Health

Basement water leaks from snow or rain can accumulate moisture in your home. This, in turn, can cause mildew and mold growths that can lead to a range of health problems, from skin irritation and coughing to asthma and allergies.

But, damp proofing your basement can protect the health of your entire family. It can prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home, thus lowering the risk of serious respiratory problems, breathing infections and other issues related to mold growth.

4. Reduces Insurance Costs

Another advantage of choosing to waterproof your basement is that doing so can cut your monthly insurance costs significantly. This is especially beneficial for those with specific water or flood damage coverage.

That’s because waterproofing your basement will drastically lower the risk that your house will experience mold growth, water damage, and similar issues related to water and flood damage.

5. Prevents Your Valuables from Being Damaged

The basement is often the place in your home where you keep different items to prevent your home from being cluttered. Some of these items include tools, sports equipment, pieces of furniture, luggage, etc.

Whatever it is that you store in your basement, it’s important to keep it dry.

A wet basement will damage your valuables, but installing waterproofing systems will prevent that from happening.

6. Reduces Energy Costs

If your basement is wet and warm, it will increase the humidity in your home during summer which will make it costlier to cool. Also, cracks in the foundation may allow cold winter air to enter your house, no matter how hard you try to keep the house warm.

By waterproofing your basement, you will provide better insulation for your entire house and reduce utility bills year-round.

7. Maximizes the Usage of the Basement

Waterproofing your foundations decreases the quantity of water that seeps into your home. Besides adding a waterproof barrier, it can also divert the water.

As a result, you’ll have a dry basement suitable for storage and recreation, without worrying about leaks, floods, and moisture which can cause costly damage.

8. Increases Your Home’s Value

Waterproofing your basement is one of the best investments you can make that will boost your home’s value. It will keep the inside dry and prevent expensive foundation problems.

Besides adding property value to your house, waterproofing your basement provides protection and security in all the ways listed above. Therefore, do not think of it as an extra expense, but as a smart investment that pays for itself.

Conclusion

If you are a homeowner who wants to protect your basement and house from the damage that water can cause, consider waterproofing your basement.