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Seasons come and go, and they each have different effects on our homes. Basement waterproofing is an important step to take to protect your structure from damage and disrepair that can become quite costly.
Depending on when you experience the wet season in your area, you should plan to have basement waterproofing taken care of before that season occurs.
Basement Waterproofing Options
There are several different ways to waterproof their basement. The right solution for your needs will typically depend on your location and the status of your basement.
Here are a few different methods that can be used:
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Waterproof sealants
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Fixing cracks
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Sump pump & drainage systems
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Proper guttering mechanisms
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Moisture control systems
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Foundation digging or adjustments
In most cases, you can avoid external things like digging around the foundation, although this might be needed for extreme situations.
Sealing up even the smallest of cracks will provide significant benefits in keeping the basement dry. This should be one of your first priorities in basement waterproofing. If you have interior drainage systems, ensure that they are working properly and draining water away from the home as they should.
Your gutters are the first source of draining water away from your home. If they are clogged or in disrepair, they simply can’t do what they’re supposed to do! Moisture control systems help reduce humidity and maintain proper moisture levels in your basement.
Most of these things are simple, but have a major impact on protecting your basement and your structure.
Exterior Waterproofing Solutions
External issues might be a bigger problem and typically occur when your land slopes inward toward the foundation. In these cases, more extensive solutions may be necessary in order to re-slope the ground or set up drainage to move water away.
When digging or foundation issues are needed, they should really be a last resort. Most of these approaches are incredibly invasive and can be very expensive. However, there are times when they are necessary in order to protect your basement and foundation from damage due to excessive moisture.
Work with a professional waterproofing company to determine the best solution for your needs.
Waterproof Before It’s Too Late!
The different seasons cause the ground to react in a variety of ways. In the spring and fall, you might experience a lot of rain, which could lead to excess moisture in the soil around your basement. You should tackle basement waterproofing before this happens.
In the summer, the ground gets hot and may shrink, pulling away from the foundation if you aren’t careful. In the winter, the moisture within the soil or on top of the soil freezes, causing expansion. These can all lead to water finding its way into the basement.
Basement waterproofing is the best way to protect your structure and prevent water from finding its way into places it simply isn’t welcome.