When it comes to keeping your home safe and sound, few things are more important than your basement. That might sound surprising, especially if you have an unfinished basement that you only use for storage and to house your water heater. When it comes right down to it, however, your basement helps keep the foundation of your home strong.
Without a sturdy foundation that can withstand the elements and the other effects that time tends to wreak upon things, your home can become susceptible to a wide variety of damage. One of the most harmful elements that can affect your basement is water. Luckily, there are a few different ways that you can help avoid this.
Basement waterproofing is one of the most important things you can do to help keep your basement, and your home, safe and strong.
Why Basement Waterproofing?
Water damage is one of the most common issues that homeowners deal with. It does not always have to do with flooding, either. Many people assuming that as long as your basement has not flooded, then you are safe from water damage. In reality, moisture could be coming from a number of different sources. Even if it is not flooding, for example, a poorly waterproofed basement could be retaining moisture from rainfall or even the ground itself. Wherever the water is coming from, it is important to note that not taking action quickly enough can cause serious damage to your basement. The longer you wait to fix the issue, the more serious the issues and the more expensive the remedy. How safe is your basement from water damage?
How do I know if my basement needs waterproofing?
The most obvious sign that your basement needs help is with the presence of moisture. This doesn’t have to mean a flooded floor that is ruining your possessions. It doesn’t even have to mean that your basement is filled with even a little bit of water uniformly dispersed across the floor. Look at your walls and in the corners. Do you see any dark spots? Even if they aren’t currently wet, areas on the walls or floors that look like they have seen a lot of water activity could be indications that your basement has a water problem. You could also take a look for cracks or even unevenness in the floor. While not all basements are perfectly level, it should be noted that a basement that is extremely uneven could be the result of water damage underneath the floor.
What do I do if I think my basement needs to be waterproofed?
If you think that your basement needs waterproofing, then you need to contact an experienced professional as soon as possible. Hire someone to take a look at the basement and determine whether or not you need basement waterproofing.
Remember that this is your home – it’s no time to go with the lowest price if the service offered is subpar. Make sure that you hire someone who understands how to meet your needs and tailor their service to fit your home.
