Isn’t it frustrating to see your home’s basement flooded? Any type of water damage can be a nuisance and cause serious damage to your home’s structure. A wet basement not only compromises the structure of your home but can also harm your family’s health. Most homes that have moisture issues have mold and mildew that harm indoor air quality. Despite the serious problems caused due to wet basements, most homeowners ignore renovating and waterproofing their basements. The majority of home renovation projects focus on improving the home’s exterior. The basement is often overlooked until some serious damage takes place. Ignoring your basement waterproofing may result in you having to pay for a more costly repair later on.
Water damage is the most common and one of the worst types of damage in a home. It can be due to rain, seepage, humidity, plumbing leaks, overflows, or burst pipes. The basement is most vulnerable to water damage because water can seep in through cracks in the foundation. Keeping your basement well-maintained not only prevents frustrating water damage but also increases the value of your home.
Why Basement Waterproofing?
A basement is a versatile space that can be used in different ways such as storage, recreation room, guest room, and more. However, this lower area is prone to water damage. Basement waterproofing is the process of installing a drainage system and applying sealant materials to prevent the water from penetrating your basement. If basement waterproofing isn’t on your list of home improvement projects, the following benefits can change your mind. Here are some great advantages of waterproofing your basement.
1. Increase Your Living Space
The basement is no longer the abandoned storage area in homes. Many people are remodeling their basements to increase their living space. The basement can be turned into an additional bedroom with a bathroom for renting to earn monthly income. You can also use this space as a home theater, kids’ playroom, library, or home office. However, to use the basement for increasing your living space, you need to first make it waterproof to prevent flooding and water damage. Whether you plan to turn it into a home gym or library, waterproofing is the first step of basement remodeling.
2. Prevent Health Issues
If you have asthma or allergies, a trip to your basement can trigger your asthma or sinus. Preventing health issues is one of the key reasons to waterproof your basement. A wet basement is the breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold spores can spread into the air and cause respiratory issues and other health problems. Mold grows quickly and causes structural damage also. Ignoring basement waterproofing means spending money on allergy treatment. So, if the basement smells musty or you can see spots on the wall, it’s time to contact basement waterproofing professionals.
3. Prevent Damage & Stronger Foundation
A major benefit of waterproofing your basement is keeping your home’s foundation safe and strong. The structural integrity of your home depends on the foundation. If the basement is flooded or suffered water damage, it directly impacts your foundation. If you’re not taking steps to fix water damage, most probably your home won’t hold up for a long time. Waterproofing is the best solution to prepare your basement for excessive rains and floods. It helps in keeping your basement dry which eventually ensures your peace of mind. Moreover, if for any reason you plan to sell your home in the future, this home improvement project can help you set a higher selling price.
