Water can be a homeowner’s biggest nightmare. Unfortunately, most basements will suffer from water damage at some point in their lifetime, and the problems it causes can be difficult and costly to correct. While many people tend to think that it takes a significant flood to cause problems, even a minor trickle of water can result in a surprising amount of damage if waterproofing your home has not been done properly.
Many homeowners decide to waterproof their home to ensure it remains warm and dry throughout the year. Waterproofing changes the way water interacts with a home, such as by sealing foundation cracks or diverting groundwater away from it.
What Does Waterproofing Your Home Entail?
There are several different ways in which a home can be waterproofed, and the problem can be approached from the exterior of the home, the interior or both.
For example, spray-on penetrating sealants can be used to form a protective membrane on surfaces. These sealants can form impermeable layers that offer protection from the elements and are suitable for use in above-grade applications. Steps can also be taken to prevent condensation from forming and causing damage.
Exterior waterproofing can prevent water from making its way inside the home in the first place. Exterior sealing is a bigger job than interior sealing because the soil around the foundation must be removed first. Gutter systems must also be installed correctly and kept clear to avoid causing problems. Other options include damp proofing and downspout extensions.
Draining issues can be addressed by installing French drains and using sump pumps to remove standing water from the home.
Benefits Of Waterproofing Your Home
Although it may be tempting to save some money by skipping waterproofing, this is a mistake that can end up leading to much bigger bills in the future. The benefits of waterproofing a home are not just financial; in addition to protecting your belongings, it can also impact your comfort levels and even your health.
Outlined below is a closer look at some of the biggest benefits of waterproofing your home.
Better Health
When a basement or crawlspace has higher levels of water and humidity, it can lead to the type of damp air in which toxic mold can develop and thrive. Mold can start growing surprisingly quickly once water makes its way into a home, and it can even grow and cause damage when you cannot see it. Mold exposure can lead to an array of health dangers including asthma, skin rashes, coughing, and irritation of the nose, throat and eyes.
Lower Energy Cost
Any time there are small cracks and other openings in a home, it provides a space through which heat can escape. In addition, cold air can also make its way inside and bring down the interior temperature, causing your heater to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. Waterproofing can seal these cracks to keep your heating system from working too hard and to keep your energy costs down.
Further Water Damage Prevention
Waterproofing a home and protecting its barrier can stop leaky roofs, unsealed windows and dripping walls from leading to problems. Once moisture makes its way into the interior of the home, it can be trapped inside the framework, where it can create problems throughout the home.
Water damage can quickly reduce the value of your home, so protecting it from these issues is an investment that can pay off significantly. The cost of water damage in terms of structural problems, ruined equipment and the need for remodeling can quickly grow very high.
This is especially important in the basement, where many people store items such as clothing, holiday decorations, summer furniture and things that cannot be replaced like old photos. Even small amounts of moisture can cause rotting and mold that can ruin everything that it comes into contact with, which is why waterproofing should be done before placing valuables in the basement.
Solid Foundation To Live In
Waterproofing your basement can help protect the foundation from damage that compromises the integrity of your home. It does not take a major flood to damage a foundation; even water seepage from moist soil can affect the areas where the floors meet the walls long before you notice damage such as foundation cracks or bowed walls.
It also provides a solid structure for future projects. For example, some homeowners run into trouble when remodeling their basement when they find water damage in the floors and walls. Even worse, in a basement that is already finished, any water that enters can cause serious damage to furniture, carpeting and other items.
Talk With The Waterproofing Experts
Don’t let water damage ruin the enjoyment of your home. Talk with the waterproofing experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration to find out how their professional waterproofing solutions can help protect your home and belongings and avoid the need for costly repairs.