6 Benefits of basement waterproofing

Hackrea Com / March 17, 2022

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Basements are where some people store their most prized possession or can also be their recreational space. The space alone is just as important as any part of your home. Think of it as an investment. When you invest in something, you ensure it’s in good condition. However, the basement needs a little more than just the average care. You need to waterproof it.

If you have a basement at home, continue reading as the list below will explain the benefits of waterproofing it:

1. Protects you and your family’s health

Waterproofing protects you and your family’s health by preventing moisture from accumulating in the basement.

Moisture leads to mold growth and infestation. And continuous exposure to molds can cause respiratory problems, irritation of the eyes and nose, and trigger allergies. Not only that, molds can quickly spread to other parts of your home and damage parts that could compromise the property’s structural integrity.

Therefore, you need to waterproof your basement to prevent this from happening. You may hire trusted basement waterproofing professionals to help you out. If you have windows, it would also help to let the air flow from time to time.

In addition, because your basement is waterproofed, it’s much easier to clean. Keeping it clean will eliminate germs, dust mites, and pests that may cause other diseases.

2. Eliminates odor

You may have noticed the strange smell when you enter the basement. This is because humid air traps the odors, which can be from a mix of the drenched rugs, sofa, old furniture, and piles of boxes stored in the basement. Opening your windows is an easy yet temporary measure to address this issue.

Basement waterproofing is an excellent long-term solution to prevent any musty smell from developing by reducing the humidity levels inside the room. Especially if you plan to use your basement as an additional living space, you can be assured that you and your guest can safely and comfortably stay there for long periods.

Aside from waterproofing and having good ventilation, you may use the following things found in your home to get rid of the stinky smell:

Baking Soda – Use baking soda and spread it around the room. Let it sit overnight and vacuum or sweep the floor the next day. It neutralizes acidic and alkaline molecules into an odor-free state.
Cat Litter – The cat litter absorbs and traps ammonia-smelling odor. You can add baking soda on top of the cat litter mixture.
White Vinegar – Get a bowl, put white vinegar, and leave it until the musty smell is gone. White vinegar contains acetic acids that bond with volatile molecules and banish the odor.
Coffee Grounds – After brewing your morning coffee, take the coffee grounds and strategically put them in the basement
Essential Oils – Get your air diffuser and put it in the basement. You can also use your favorite scents and blends.

3. Saves you a lot of money

When you have your basement waterproofed, it may save you a lot of money because you won’t have expenses spent on mold removal services and possible medical bills.

Most importantly, you won’t need to pay the cost of repairs from the water damage. Flooding in the basement happens due to plumbing leaks and pipes bursting. This results in a huge water bill. In addition, excessive rain and cracks in the walls can cause floods inside your basement.

If left untreated, it will damage the floors, furniture, appliances, and the entire room. The whole structure may also become weak. Thus, basement waterproofing is necessary. Here are some waterproofing techniques you can consider to prevent flooding:

Seal The Cracks On The Walls – You may do this yourself using sealants. But it’s only a temporary fix. There may be underlying issues with the structure itself. So, you may need to have it evaluated by experts.
Have A Proper Drainage System – It will remove excess water, which most likely contains pathogens. And without drainage, it will lead to flooding and property damage.
Install Sump Pump – Installing a sump pump in the basement is part of having a sound drainage system.
Clear Out The Gutter – Check the gutter for any flood debris that may block and prevent the water flow. Clean it regularly.
Repair The Windows – Make sure windows are not the source of leaks. Water can come in from the outside.

There will be fewer maintenance costs for your basement with all these in mind. In addition, it’s best to get comprehensive property and flood insurance coverage. You can file claims to your provider if the amount is insurmountable.

4. Reduce electricity bill

The aftermath of flooding includes an increase in the electricity bill. You’d need to air out the entire basement with an HVAC system or by using a dehumidifier. Using fans will take a long time to dry out the entire room. Furthermore, time is of the essence because moisture can quickly transfer from one room to another. Thus, creating a much bigger problem.

When your basement is waterproofed, you won’t have to deal with this issue.

5. Increase your home’s value

If you plan to list your home one day, water damage impacts its value. It will cost you money to do repairs before you can sell your house. The water damages that affect the home’s value are structural damage, mold, mildew, foundation issues, warped ceilings, walls, and floors. These problems leave marks even after the repairs. Therefore, waterproofing is a must.

Instead of spending hundreds if not thousands on repairs and electricity bills, use the money to make upgrades or beautify your home instead. Here are some tips for doing just that:

Put Décor – Make your home as presentable as possible. Spruce it up by adding paintings and accent pieces.
Get New Appliances – Getting the latest models of appliances impacts the whole aesthetic of the house.
Upgrade The Systems – You may add smoke detectors, CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras, smart lock, and voice-activated commands. Turn the place into a modern smart home.
Make Room For A New Space – Building a new space adds value to the home. Homes are sold per square foot.
Put Energy Saving Equipment – Adding solar panels, generators, led lights, thermostats, and smart sockets can reduce the electricity bill.

6. Gives you peace of mind

Waterproofing your basement will give you peace of mind because you know your home is safe and secure. You wouldn’t think about water damage, funky smell, or electric bills going up. Nothing beats being able to sleep at night knowing that you did your part to make sure your home is a safe haven for you and your family.

Conclusion:

Reading the list above and applying what you learn should help you realize the importance of basement waterproofing. Thus, it means you’re a responsible homeowner because you’re ensuring your family’s safety and wellbeing. Therefore, contact professionals to help you in making that happen.