Basement waterproofing is an important step in protecting your home. Here are some ideas to accomplish it.
Basement waterproofing is an integral part of protecting the structural components of a home. Crawl spaces,
attics and basements that get wet can create lots of problems. The dampness can lead to an unhealthy environment for humans and pets as well. Mold, mildew, fungus and offensive odors are just a few of the troubles which lie ahead for homeowners with leakage difficulties within their home. Moisture can also erode structures such as beams, drywall, and flooring and can even short out the electrical systems. The foundation of the house may become compromised because of erosion of soil and landscaping. All of these can lead to an unlivable environment, costly repairs and a property with declining real estate value.
There are lots of reasons that moisture and condensation accumulate. Some examples include:
- Roof problems: Faulty shingles or missing tiles can allow rain or melted ice and snow to enter the ceiling and attic.
- Gutters: Clogged or broken rain gutters can lead to leaks. Guttering systems must be installed properly including having a downspout that directs water away from the house. A splash block must be there to eliminate excessive leaking into the area. A lengthy storm can allow over a thousand gallons of water to seep in next to the stem wall and foundation.
- Sprinklers or hoses left on: Most homes have a flower garden close to the house. While this is an attractive and welcoming entry into the dwelling, it can also result in leaky basements if the water is used excessively.
- Slopes: Sloping of the surrounding yard toward the house can be disastrous in the case of heavy storms. Grading and drainage engineering should be included in structural plans of a building when it’s first built in order to keep this from happening.
- Creeks or streams nearby: Having a creek or stream close to one’s abode can set a nice, peaceful ambience unless storms hit the area. One heavy rainfall can flood the creek or stream. Flooding of these bodies of water can result in liquid entering housing structures.
- Sump pump gone bad: Sump pumps are designed to remove standing water as it occurs. When the pump isn’t functional, standing water may result.
There are ways that a homeowner can eliminate these problems or prevent them from happening in the first place. Some ideas include:
- Inspections of roof and gutter systems: A homeowner should go up on the rooftop every few months to sweep the surface, check for loose shingles or tiles and remove debris from the area. Clogged gutters should be cleaned regularly.
- Sump pump service: A sump pump should be regularly maintained and serviced to keep it working properly. All working parts should be regularly inspected. After a dry spell, the system should be turned on to make sure it’s still functional.
- Sealants applied: There are waterproofing sealing agents that can be applied by professionals to keep the basement, crawl spaces and attics moisture-free.
Having dampness and condensation accumulate in basements, crawl spaces and attics can be detrimental to the structure and the inhabitants of a house. By following preventative maintenance and repair problems as needed, basement waterproofing should be taken care of.
