Did you see any damp walls in the basement? To prevent water from seeping into your home via the walls, you might want to consider waterproofing them. Water is practically inevitable down there for several reasons.
In the event of severe rain, the wet soil beneath your basement floor might seep into your walls because of the way it is often designed. This is why you must take every precaution to safeguard your property.
Regular waterproofing, particularly in the months leading up to the rainy season, is your best chance. If your basement in Philadelphia is leaking at the foundation or walls, you may get professional help with waterproofing. Another alternative is implementing specific measures to stop water from seeping into your home during a rainstorm.
Read on for some helpful advice on dealing with basement repair.
Manage the Humidity Levels
It’s no secret that performing basement repair Philadelphia can be a huge undertaking. Managing the relative humidity is one of the best and simplest things to accomplish. You need to do this in every room in your house. Humidity levels impact the entire house, regardless of whether you’re on a slab, in a basement, or in a crawl space. Humidity levels can be relatively high, even in the attic.
A high-quality dehumidifier should be installed. Ensure the basement dehumidifier is the right size for your house and needs. Ducting may be necessary after finishing your basement.
Extensions for Downspouts
Your home’s downspouts will direct a deluge of water toward your foundation. Unfortunately, many houses lack the necessary downspout extensions. Some even lack them entirely. Basements, crawl spaces, and even slab structures can be inundated if roof water is dumped close to the foundation. You can run downspout extensions to reduce the likelihood of clogs. They should empty into a catch basin for optimal performance before activating the emitter.
Basement Waterproofing – Exterior and Interior
Water seepage from the exterior of the base walls is the primary reason for waterproofing the basement’s exterior. To waterproof a basement from the outside, one must excavate around the foundation’s perimeter and seal the walls with a waterproof membrane or coating. It is reliable for protecting the building’s framework against water damage.
When moisture is the primary cause of basement moisture, waterproofing becomes necessary. To waterproof an interior basement, one must first install a drainage system to collect water that seeps through cracks in the floor or walls. This water is then sent out from the basement using a sump pump.
Membrane Underlayment for Basement Floors for Waterproofing
Most of you might be unfamiliar with this. Waterproofers for basements typically do not go all the way up the walls. What purpose would they put in an underlayment membrane for the basement floor?
If you have hardwood, tile, or any other type of flooring in your basement, installing a waterproof membrane is necessary. It joins the waterproofing system as an additional component when put in correctly. Floor membranes help reduce humidity and redirect standing water to the waterproofing trench and sump pump.
Change Where Your Downspouts Falls
Your downspouts should be double-checked for debris, and ensure that no one has inadvertently disconnected them because they are an integral element of the gutter and drainage system. Make sure to move them so that water is directed away from your boundary if they have moved.
However, if they move around a lot, you might want to consider talking to local professionals about installing downspouts underground. These require expert assistance to unclog since they are more stubborn and more complex to move than their above-ground counterparts.
Why Waterproofing Your Basement Is Crucial
Basement waterproofing has several benefits, some of which are listed below.
- Enhances Well-being and Longevity
Allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues can be brought on or intensified by mold, which is poisonous and harmful to your family’s health.
Mold is a fungus that grows best in wet conditions. However, you may lessen the chances of mold growth by reducing moisture levels through water management and dehumidification. Improved air quality will be felt across the board.
- Improves the Firmness of Structures
Water seepage might compromise the structural soundness of your home.
Water starts to pool inside the walls if there is no way for it to drain. The hydrostatic pressure has created a hazardous situation on your floor and walls. Your home’s foundation and structural integrity will be better protected and last longer if you waterproof your basement.
- Enhances Efficiency in Energy Use
In addition to the already chilly and wet conditions, water seepage into a basement can significantly lower the temperature. This could make the floors above you feel chilly, making your heating system work harder to keep you at a reasonable temperature.
When the weather is hot and muggy in the summer, the air conditioner has to work harder, which means it uses more electricity.
Because of this, your electricity expenses can skyrocket. Trustworthy waterproofing solutions may save you money in the long run and safeguard your house from these astronomical costs, relieving pressure on your HVAC system.
- Decreases Vapor and Increases Property Worth
Your home’s health and worth are safeguarded, both now and in the future, when you waterproof it. Also, potential buyers will be less interested in a damp, moldy house and more in a clean, dry one.
Sellers in Pennsylvania must also disclose any known issues with their property and fill out a Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement. This includes a list of things that must be mentioned, such as any history of water leaks or current water management practices.
Is it Worth It to Fix Cracks in a Basement?
If a homeowner is on the fence about calling a professional to fix cracks in their basement, they should know that the more time they ignore the problem, the more likely it is that further damage may occur. Your basement wall might seem acceptable, but cracks can quickly spread and cause more expensive issues.
The fissures in your basement will widen with time, letting more water seep through the walls and maybe even into your house. A rise in humidity causes the fissures to widen. If you ignore this domino effect, the problem will only worsen, and the expense of fixing your foundation might increase.
In the end!
Whether in Philadelphia or anywhere else, you can do it yourself or hire a professional to floodproof your basement. Look about hiring a professional home repair and renovation specialist if you’re not very handy or are having trouble identifying the source of the leak.
