Things You Need to Know Before Getting Started
A basement can be used for several purposes but you need to make sure that it is waterproofed first. Because water leakage is a common issue associated with basements, then you need to remedy the issue before using the area for an important purpose. Waterproofing the basement will eliminate moisture in the area and turn it into a clean and decent space.
Types of Basement Waterproofing
There are two main types of waterproofing that you can do for the basement of your house—interior and exterior. Exterior basement waterproofing involves preventing the water from the ground from reaching the foundation of the basement. On the other hand, interior waterproofing basically helps drain away water that has reached the foundation before it causes damage to the basement.
To perform exterior waterproofing, you need to apply a polymer barrier to the surfaces of the foundation to avoid moisture inside the basement. For interior waterproofing, you need to use a system of drainage pipes and tiles to redirect water away from the foundation of the basement.
Waterproofing
To determine which type of waterproofing needs to be done, you should inspect the basement and try to figure out the source of the water problem. If there is moisture or dripping, it will be evidenced by the walls of the basement. If you see obvious water spots or damp areas, the gutters may be overflowing whenever it rains. Make sure that the gutters and downspouts are clean from any debris and other objects that may be clogging it and affecting the flow of water.
If the problem is caused by the drainage, make the necessary actions. For instance, you may extend the downspouts so that water does not build up in the basement. If there is just too much moisture, you can control the condensation by sealing the areas where you suspect moisture enters the basement. To seal, apply a foam sealant or caulk around the windows and doors of the basement, as well as the wires and pipes that come from the outside of the basement walls. By insulating the water pipes, you prevent them from “sweating” and building up moisture in the basement.
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When Should Basement Waterproofing Be Done?
Many homeowners waterproof their basement upon the construction of their house while some others wait for a few months or years until they decide to waterproof the basement. Often, it is because of financial reasons or simply not having the time to do it. Whatever your reason, you should have the basement waterproofed if you do not want your house investment to be put to waste. The longer you wait before you have the basement waterproofed, the more damage it may acquire and the higher the cost of repair for these damages.
Once you decide to have your basement waterproofed, consider hiring a professional to do the job. This is to ensure that the job is done properly to avoid further problems. Most basement waterproofing professionals provide a warranty for their services so that you can have problems fixed for free in case they reoccur.
Why Is it Really Important?
Waterproofing the basement basically means protecting it from invasions and leaks. Because the basement is usually in the underground and is part of the foundation of the house, it is vulnerable to leakages due to heavy rainstorms and flooding that cause busted pipes and problematic drainage. Waterproofing is usually done by sealing cracks, applying waterproof paint and filling holes.
Benefits of Waterproofing
The basement of your house is an important part of its overall foundation. It is made out of concrete, so it may absorb water over time because of its porous nature. This can cause fissures and cracks that can be difficult and expensive to repair. Waterproofing the basement will help you prevent any of these from happening.
Your house can be the biggest investment you have made in your life so you want to ensure that it is protected the best way possible. Waterproofing your basement is one way of protecting your house from any damage. It increases the value of your home and lowers your house insurance costs at the same time.
If you are having the house appraised and the one doing the appraisal discovers that there is damage to the basement because of water leaks, he could easily take away thousands of dollars from what the house is actually worth. If someone is planning to buy your house and the buyer discovers that there are problems in the basement, he may ask you to repair the damages first. This can result in money loss and stress due to being pressured to have the house repaired on short notice. Having your basement waterproofed is taking a step to guarantee a buyer that there will be no water damages and basement leaks once you sell your house.
A basement that is often exposed to water leaks is attacked by molds and insects of different kinds. Insects can ruin the space over time, so if you do not want to get bothered by these creatures, it is best for you to have your basement waterproofed.
Another benefit of waterproofing a house is that you can easily turn your basement into a useful space without worrying about any leakage problem. Waterproofing turns the basement into a livable space, which you can eventually have rented out or offered to other family members.
Lastly, one advantage of waterproofing your basement is that it gives you peace of mind. You will never have to worry about rainstorms that can fill the basement with water and ruin the whole space.
Dangers of Failing to Waterproof the Basement
Because many homeowners choose to turn their basements into usable space, the expenses incurred for these improvements may get endangered if your basement did not undergo the process of waterproofing. For instance, if you added carpeting or lighting in the basement or if you installed some expensive equipment, all these can be heavily damaged because of a water leak. Any electronic equipment can also be permanently damaged and may carry the risk of electrical problems that may cause injury or other major problems.
How Much Money You Need?
It can be difficult to estimate the overall cost of waterproofing a basement because it can be a tricky process and there are several factors that you need to consider. The first thing that you need to do is to determine the water problem and the solution that needs to be done. From here, you will be able to determine the proper basement waterproofing method as well as the cost.
Moisture in the basement can be caused by leaks, seepage or condensation. These problems occur due to poor ventilation, insufficient drainage, cracks in the floor and other factors.
Waterproofing a basement is usually better when done sooner than later. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of getting the basement walls infiltrated. This results to even more damage than you would expect. You should also be aware that “waterproofing” is different from “damp-proofing”. If you know that your basement has only been damp-proofed, then you should seriously consider getting it waterproofed so that your basement is fully protected and your investments will not be put into waste.
The reason why you need to know the difference between “damp-proofing” and “waterproofing” is that many basement workers or builders perform the process of “damp-proofing” and tells the homeowner that they are “waterproofing” the basement. To make it clear to you, damp-proofing is the process of spraying the outside walls of your basement with a black, “tar-like” liquid. You should know that damp proofing is not adequate enough and still leaves your basement vulnerable to water leaks. Referring to damp proofing as waterproofing is a dishonest move to charge a high price for cheap work.
Cost
Depending on the problems you have in your basement and the solutions that have to be applied, the cost of waterproofing may vary. If the basement has poor ventilation, the pipes may need to be insulated and the area may need heat and air conditioning. The cost may range from $100 to $300 depending on factors such as the area of the basement.
If your basement area has problems with the outside drainage, cleaning the gutters and downspouts by removing foreign objects that may be clogging them may solve the problem. Therefore, waterproofing may not be necessary. If the gutters and downspouts are damaged, you will need to have them replaced. The cost for replacement may range from $200 to $300 depending on the length of the gutters and downspouts.
It is best to consult a basement-waterproofing expert to determine how much your expenses will be. If you have leak problems in your basement, sealing basement walls and doing minor leak repairs may cost you not less than $350 for the types of equipment, tools, and service. If sump pumps and drains need to be installed in order to eliminate water from the outside portion of the basement before it even enters the house, you may need to spend $1,000 to $2,500. If the basement needs some extensive foundation and drainage system repair, the cost may range from $2,500 to $12,000 or even more.