Top Reasons Why Basement Waterproofing is Important for Your Home

Did you know that water is your basement’s number one enemy?

Since concrete is porous, water affects the basement walls by seeping into these pores and
breaking down the concrete. If left unchecked, excess moisture in the concrete will cause further
cracking on walls and floors, leading to complete breakage.

The best way to prevent such problems is to waterproof your basement. Basement
waterproofing manages and redirects the water that enters your basement through various
techniques. This post, thoroughly discusses various reasons why basement waterproofing is
ideal for your home.

Brief Intro to Basement Structure and Foundation

The area and soil outside your basement walls aren't the same as the ones on your lawn. The
loosely packed dirt allows water to come into contact with your basement walls. The water
around your basement is called a false water table.

The reason behind this goes back to the construction of the foundation. During construction, the
soil was dug out, and foundation walls were erected. The area behind the basement walls was
then re-filled with the dug-up soil. Since the soil was already dug up, rolled, and bulldozed, it
isn't as compact as before. Therefore, you have 6-8ft wide loose soil sitting behind your
basement walls.

 Protects the Foundation
The foundation keeps your house structure stable, so it's safe to live in for occupants. Water
seepage in the foundation causes major foundation damage problems such as cracking.
Basement waterproofing protects your home’s foundation by preventing concrete breakdown by
water. Therefore, the foundation’s lifespan is greatly increased.

Prevents Basement Flooding

Basement flooding is a common feature for homes in areas prone to heavy rains, flash floods,
and rising groundwater. Flooding can severely affect your home's structural integrity, especially
if you're using wooden beams to hold up the floor.
Waterproofing solutions prevent your basement from soaking up water that could compromise
the basement structure and properties stored in the basement.

Saves on Energy Bills

Damp basements are much harder to warm up or cool down because, unlike air, water retains
temperature for a long time. This feature will cause your HVAC system to work harder to

condition the air around the basement. Consequently, you can expect a higher energy bill if the
basement is not properly waterproofed.

Prevents Mold Growth

Mold thrives in damp environments. And apart from breaking down wood and other materials,
mold can affect the health of house occupants. Mold can lead to health problems like asthma,
skin irritation, allergic reaction, watery eyes, coughing, and breathing difficulties.
Waterproofing transforms the basement into a place that can't support mold growth. As a result,
your wooden structures are spared, and your home's air quality is improved.

Reduces pest problems in homes

Waterproofing reduces the emergence of pests in a home by sealing the gaps that allow pests
to access the house. Pests like the dark, soggy, and isolated environment of the basement.
Therefore, your basement could be the perfect breeding spot for pests if it isn't properly
waterproofed.

Additionally, some of the bugs found in basements, such as termites, can exacerbate the
problem of rotting wooden structures and floors. Other pests you can expect to reduce with
waterproofing include cockroaches, spiders, firebrats, centipede, and millipede.

Basement waterproofing is an excellent way of maintaining your house's foundation and overall
structural integrity. It does not address the symptoms by covering them up; basement
waterproofing is a long-term solution that employs the best ways to prevent basement water
damage.

For a Free Basement Inspection Contact Basement Remedy Today at (614) 915-0230

basementremedy.com

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