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How Can You Tell if Your Basement Is Waterproofed (Or Needs to Be)

Basement waterproofing is used to keep water out of a home or other structure’s basement. Both drainage and sealants are required for effective below-ground waterproofing.

Waterproofing is required whenever a building is erected at or below ground level. Waterproofing and drainage concerns are particularly important when groundwater is anticipated to build up in the soil and elevate the water table. Hydrostatic pressure is exerted under basement flooring and basement walls due to the higher water table.

Water enters via foundation wall cracks, gaps generated by deflection of the connection of the footing-foundation walls, and through floor cracks due to hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure may cause significant structural deterioration to foundation walls and mildew, rot, and other moisture-related issues. This information is provided by our company who offers basement waterproofing in Lafayette, Indiana.

Basement waterproofing may be accomplished in three ways:

  1. Interior Basement Waterproofing: These are measures taken to protect water from entering your basement from the inside. These techniques are often employed once a problem has been identified. Coating and Sealants, as well as condensation prevention measures, are examples of this.
  2. Exterior Basement Waterproofing: These procedures take place outside of your house, as you would anticipate. The purpose of these techniques is to prevent water from entering the house in the first place. This might include outside drainage systems and the application of a waterproof membrane to the outer walls.
  3. Drainage Basement Waterproofing: One of the most known reasons for basement dampness is drainage concerns. This strategy might involve fixing a drainage system that isn’t working properly or installing one if one doesn’t exist.

Can You Waterproof a Basement From the Inside?

Inside the basement, everything done is more for handling water that has made it through the foundation. Diverting the water prevents broad damage, but it doesn’t address the external damage that lets the water in.

Only waterproofing the interior of a basement won’t work. If the foundation is compromised, it may give you time, but it won’t avoid all difficulties. Moisture in the basement normally comes from the foundation. By disregarding external waterproofing, mold and moisture may seep within your property. By waterproofing inside and out, you obtain the most secure basement.

Does a Basement Need to Be Waterproofed?

There are a few symptoms that your basement has water damage. Once you locate water in your basement, take action! It would be best advised to get it waterproofed to prevent damage to your house and health. When you waterproof your basement, threats reduce.

Figuring Out If You Have a Wet Basement in Your House

 You have a wet basement in your house when you see the following sign:

  • Growth of Mold: Mold grows in moist, organic places. The presence of mold consumes building materials’ cellulose. Water-damaged materials will mold. Homeowners must address water damage and mold fast. Mold will grow, spread, and ruin your property, and exposure may cause health issues. Mold may generate musty odors. Mold thrives in damp areas. Thus musty basement odors may indicate a water leak and mold issue.
  • Cracks in Basement: Cracks in your basement’s foundation, walls, or floor are concerning. These gaps may let water in and may have developed due to water or ice pressing on your home’s structure. Cracks aren’t always bad. Hairline cracks aren’t too alarming, but you should have it corrected if the break is wider than 1/16 inch.
  • Deteriorating Building Materials: Building materials deteriorate when exposed to water or moisture. It causes flaking and peeling. These symptoms might suggest age or basement water damage. Observe crumbling basement materials.
  • Presence of Discoloration: Water damage stains walls and flooring. If your basement walls have yellowish-brown stains, there may be water damage.
  • Sinking Basement: Sinking floors aren’t often obvious, but they’re a concern. If you observe a difference, you may have a broken foundation or soil erosion. Without a solid foundation, your home will collapse.

Why Is My Basement Leaking When It Rains?

After heavy rain, your basement may have a drainage issue. Without proper drainage, water may pool around your foundation. Examples:

Hydrostatic pressure builds if your foundation’s soil absorbs too much water. This volume increases bends, slants, or sheers in basement walls. If your walls move inward, water may enter your basement via cracks. Hydrostatic pressure occurs in high-water-table areas.

Expansive soil is clay-rich soil. When water-saturated soil expands, it pushes basement walls in. As the soil dries, your wall creeps outward. Back-and-forth movement may shatter boundaries. Water may enter via gaps in a compromised basement wall.

Frost-heave causes frozen soil. First, soil volume and weight may cause basement walls to bend, slant, sheer, or shatter. Once dried, dirt settles. This up-and-down motion bends, shears, and breaks walls. All of these may leak basements.

Should I Waterproof Basement Walls Before Finishing?

Flooded basements harm drywall, insulation, and other wall finishings. Before finishing the basement, consult an expert to install interior and exterior Basement waterproofing methods; even if their basement has never flooded, many choose this option.

Verdict

According to Home Advisor, homeowners pay $4,754 to waterproof a basement or foundation, with simple repairs costing $600. Repairing foundation cracks or installing drains and gutters might cost over $10,000. Depending on circumstances, this cost might vary from $2,257 to $7,288. $5-$10 per square foot.

Waiting to waterproof your basement might lead to larger expenditures in the future. Basement waterproofing solutions differ, so contact an expert or firm to determine the best option for your case.

It’s your largest investment; You must protect it. Do something before an issue arises. Preventative steps keep basements dry and wallets full.

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