Friday, October 11th by Kristina McGovern
Do you have a basement that leaks every time it rains? Water in the basement can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and cause damage to any valuables you have stored in your basement. An effective basement waterproofing solution is the answer to your wet basement nightmares.
Unfortunately, it's not that simple...
No two basement waterproofing problems are exactly the same. There are many different ways that water could be getting into your basement. And there are different methods for keeping the water out. So how do you choose the right waterproofing solution and contractor when making this crucial investment in your home?
We've put together a summary of the main elements of an effective basement waterproofing system and the features to look for when choosing the right solution for your home's needs.
First, we've included an infographic summarizing everything you need to know.
When choosing a drainage system for the basement, look for these features:
You want to ensure that your sump pump is going to work and be able to keep up, especially during heavy rain. An effective sump pump should have the following features:
Not all dehumidifiers are created equal. When it comes to controlling the humidity level in the basement, you need a unit that's designed specifically for high-moisture areas. Some features to look for when choosing a basement dehumidifier include:
No basement windows are completely waterproof. But there are ways to prevent water from leaking into the basement through the windows while letting more light in.
A dry basement starts outside the home. Proper drainage around the foundation is necessary. There are a few simple solutions to make sure rainwater doesn't end up inside the basement:
Basements get wet. Groundwater seeps in through porous concrete walls and floors. Rain leaks through rusty windows. Water vapor condenses on pipes and appliances. Plumbing leaks happen. Dark or white stains on walls are sometimes the only signs of moisture issues.
The goal of modern basement waterproofing is to keep the basement dry by addressing sources of water intrusion. There are two major approaches to water management: interior drainage and exterior drainage. Below are the major pros and cons of each basement waterproofing method.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
The bottom line: An effective basement waterproofing solution is one that is customized to the specific issues of the home.
To ensure professional installation and superior service we carefully created an international network of over 350 trusted basement contractors.
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