What’s the Importance of Waterproofing my Basement?

Waterproofing your basement is a fundamental home improvement task. It’s just one of many things a homeowner must do to protect their family and the structural integrity of their home. Any home improvement job should include waterproofing basement walls and floors or maintaining the upkeep of a basement that’s already undergone waterproofing.

Long-term moisture can quickly turn into mold and damage the structure, leading to a potentially dangerous and disastrous situation. Foundation repair can cost a  pretty penny, so it’s best to fix the problem before it becomes that serious.

What is basement waterproofing?

Waterproofing is essentially the process of treating your basement/structure to prevent moisture from being able to come in. Often, water starts at the lowest part of the structure, commonly the basement. 

• Water from rain coupled with poor drainage can cause water to seep in through the walls. 
• As a consequence of being underground or near a low water table, your home is vulnerable to water seeping upward into the substructure.
• A basement or crawl space is more prone to moisture, which can build up gradually and do substantial damage. 
• Cracks in the wall, leaky water pipes and ducts, condensation from low temperatures and/or poor ventilation, and old drafty windows can let moisture invade your home. 
• Improperly ventilated basements also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew. 

Where does all the water come from?

The first step to begin the waterproofing system is to locate the source of the water. Moisture forms in basements for a variety of reasons, especially when your basement is below grade. For those living in a location with a high water table, the risk of water-related basement issues increases substantially. 

When precipitation is high in these areas, groundwater can accumulate around the foundation walls and put pressure against them. This pressure increases the chance of cracking the walls. If your home was not waterproofed during the build, you must take extra care to prevent your basement from becoming a hydration haven. The vast majority of basement moisture concerns emerge from:

• Improper exterior grading
• Insufficient air conditioning or circulation
• Colder surface temperatures
• Lack of guttering or downspouts

 Moreover, it’s essential to know that ventilation is crucial for keeping your basement free of moisture and thus free of mold. Ventilation can be brought about by fans, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and opening your basement window.

To locate the water source, thoroughly check your walls, windows, and pipes for apparent leaks. Visible signs of moisture include:

• White streaks of a powdery substance on the walls (called efflorescence). This forms as the water dries.
• A musty smell caused by fungal growth.
• Visual wetness, as water can seep in the walls and windows.

What are the risks of having a wet basement?

An excessively moist basement can lead to significant health problems as well as substantial structural damage. Mold and mildew can lead to various health concerns and ailments, including respiratory illnesses, headaches, and more. Structural damage could compromise the integrity of your home’s foundation, causing it to shift.

Why should I waterproof my basement? 

Waterproofing your basement can help prevent all the issues mentioned above. Once you find water coming in, you should have it remediated as soon as possible to limit the potential damage to your home and health. The sooner you waterproof your basement, the sooner that the risks begin to decrease.

How do I waterproof my home?

There are several basement waterproofing methods, and it’s essential to know which approach is optimal for your situation. It’s always best to have it done professionally to ensure that nothing gets missed and that the waterproofing gets done correctly.

However, if that is not an option, you can take some steps to begin the waterproofing process. Before waterproofing, you must locate and mitigate the source of the water. If there’s a leak, then fix it, and if you have cracks in the walls, you need to have them filled. Once the water is removed, a masonry waterproofing material should be applied to bare interior walls.

How AdvantaClean Can Help

If you’ve discovered moisture in your basement that shouldn’t be there, AdvantaClean offers mold remediation and waterproofing solutions to keep the water (and mold) out of your basement. Basement waterproofing is usually approached in two different ways.

Exterior waterproofing uses excavation techniques toward the bottom of the structure’s foundation.

Interior waterproofing involves removing moisture after it has entered the basement.

Crack Repair

AdvantaClean’s trained specialists and technicians will locate the water source. If wall or slab cracks are present, we will inject polyurethane and epoxies into the cracks and seal the compromise, preventing further moisture from entering.

Drainage system installation

AdvantaClean’s trained professionals will install a sump pump to remove the excess moisture and repair footing, curtain drains, and French Drains, preventing further moisture from taking over your basement.

Mitigation Actions

• Proper grading around the home to direct moisture away from the structure.
• Installing, repairing, or cleaning gutters and downspouts.
• Interior or exterior waterproofing with filler, sealer, and/or waterproof paint.
• Installing basement ventilation systems, conditioning systems, or basement dehumidifier systems to get water out of your basement.

Conclusion

Choosing AdvantaClean’s basement waterproofing services is an effective way to treat moisture and prevent mold from compromising the structure of your home and the health of your family. Their experienced technicians work as efficiently as possible to rid your basement of excess water. Contact AdvantaClean today to learn more about their basement waterproofing procedures!