A 5-Minute Guide to Basement Waterproofing
Why is your basement leaking?
Keep in mind that if your yard is level, even an inch or two of rain can back up into the foundation, seep through basement walls and cause basement leaks. Cleaning up the water in the basement after it rains is one thing, but the lingering dampness, musty smell, and damage to homeowners’ properties left behind by the water are what cause homeowners the most headaches .
Damp basement = Mold and mildew = Allergy
If you have family members or small animals that are allergic to mold and mildew, you’ll also want to pay special attention to moisture in your basement. Mold can irritate someone with allergies, but the number one allergen in a damp basement is actually dog feces. dust mites. You may be wondering… How do I prevent or get rid of dust mites in my basement? For dust mites to live, they need more than 50% humidity in the air, and there are different ways to control the humidity in the basement, for example, the use of a dehumidifier. There are many dehumidifiers that have been proven to work well, but not all dehumidifiers are created equal, and when it comes to efficiency, an industrialized dehumidifier is always better equipped to get the job done. Sani-Dry Basement Air Systems is popular in the market; is a high capacity, high efficiency dehumidifier with air filtration in a single unit. It can pull up to 100 pints of water per day out of your home and move dry air around your damp basement.
Some people ask if a home dehumidifier can be a good alternative to an industrial dehumidifier… The truth is that home humidifiers just don’t get the job done, they’re just too small to collect water in your basement or move dry air. the basement, and did you know they usually don’t automatically drain the water from your house? Who needs another to-do list when you already have enough on your plate?
So now you ask… Okay, I get it, wet basement is bad, but how do I know if I have a wet basement and what can I do about it?
Detect wet basement signs
The first thing to tackle wet basement problems is to know how to spot the signs of a leaky basement. You may need to call in professional waterproofing experts to help you pinpoint the exact cause of your basement leaks. But before you call a base waterproofing contractor, educate yourself by learning the warning signs, here are some signs to look out for:
o Water seepage from the walls or floors of your basement.
o General humidity at its base.
o Warped coating or dry rot.
o Cracks in your basement walls or floors.
o Mold or fungus.
o A musty smell coming from your basement.
o Tile removal from your basement floor.
o Rust in your furnace or water tank.
o White powder on your basement walls.
o Termite or other insect infestation.
o Peeling paint on basement walls.
o Sagging or bowing basement walls.
Waterproofing experts are usually pretty good at explaining how a professional basement waterproofing system can give you a dry basement and keep it odor free. But remember, if any contractor gives you a quote or basement waterproofing solutions before you even inspect your basement, it’s time to call someone else.
Can Eves gutters or gutters help waterproof a basement?
The purpose of gutters or gutters is to reduce the amount of rain or surface water that a base drainage system must handle. The reason for this is that as the water travels from the top of the soil to the drainage system, it accumulates silt and soil sediment. Over time, silt and sediment will clog the drainage system, leading to water in the basement. Keep gutters clean and downspouts at least 6 feet away from your home to minimize the amount of water that travels to your drain and that will help maximize the life of your system. Once a basement starts to leak, it’s too late to extend your gutters or downspouts, but don’t wait, the longer you wait to address problems, the more damage a wet basement will do to your property and your wallet. Grab a yellow book and start calling basement waterproofing companies near you!