The Importance of Waterproofing Your Basement

Keep Your Home Standing Strong for Years to Come

Is there importance in waterproofing your basement? It goes without saying that water in your basement is a bad sign. Not only is it frustrating to deal with, but you also risk ruining your belongings, and it puts your foundation at risk for structural issues.
In fact, most foundation problems get their start due to water and the soil that surrounds the house. When you determine how water is getting into your basement, you can find the best solution to basement waterproofing.
The key is not to delay the waterproofing process once you notice that your basement is wet. It’s not at all dramatic to say that doing so could put you and your family at dramatic risk of harm and health issues.

Your Foundation Will Weaken

Flowing water wears away your concrete foundation, which can weaken it. Because it holds up your house, you don’t want that to happen.
Then as cracks start to form, your entire foundation can shift as walls bow inward or outward. Once this has happened, you’re looking at much more expensive foundation repairs to keep your house standing safely. It’s better to fix the wet basement problem before it becomes something major.

You’re Losing Usable Space in Your Home

If your basement is finished, you probably use that extra square footage for important things, like family hang outs, entertaining guests, or your home office. If it’s unfinished, it’s still vital storage space – and who wants less storage?

When your basement is wet, you lose out on that extra living or utility space and cram everything and everyone into the upstairs of your home. You simply can’t trust that your possessions won’t be ruined the next time your basement takes on water.

Replacing Damaged Possessions is Expensive

Unless you have flood insurance, if your basement gets so wet that the finishes and your furnishings are damaged, you’re paying out of pocket to renovate it and replace everything.
Wet basements are never a problem that simply goes away; it’s an issue that will happen again and again until you address it by working with a reputable foundation repair company.

You’re Risking Major Mold Growth

Dampness and darkness are mold’s two favorite things, so as you can imagine, a basement is a hotspot for growing it. Wet basements are prone to developing all sorts of molds, including the dreaded and dangerous black mold. You may not even see it, as it grows behind walls and trim, or beneath flooring. Left unchecked, any kind of mold can make your family ill.
Even if you get rid of the mold, but don’t waterproof your basement, it’s going to come back. That’s why it’s best to pay a pro to fix your wet basement at the source of the problem. Temporary solutions are ineffective.

Your Home Will Drop in Value

A wet basement and all the things that come with it – foundation damage, mold, and more – ultimately drop the value of your home if you intend to sell it. Not only will the amount it’s worth be less than comparable homes in your neighborhood, but you may find it more difficult to find a buyer very quickly.

Buyers who are willing to take on a house with structural problems within the foundation often must have a specialized renovation home loan or extra money beyond their down payment and closing costs that they’re willing to spend. Depending on how long your wet basement problem has gone on, the repair may cost thousands of dollars, if not tens of thousands of dollars.
When you choose to address your wet basement quickly, you’re saving yourself a lot of money in the long run – and keeping your home happy and healthy.

Photo by Michal Balog on Unsplash