Owning a basement can be a great thing. Not only is it an extra space in your home, but you also have the opportunity to add features like a bedroom or exercise room. But basements are notoriously hard to waterproof, which means they need special attention when building and maintaining them. In this blog post, we will walk you through 10 mistakes that people make when basement waterproofing their basement – so that you don’t have to learn from trial and error!
- Choosing the wrong waterproofing system
Basements come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s essential to choose the right waterproofing system for your needs. Some basement waterproofing Chester VA systems are better for concrete walls, while others are better for blocks or bricks. Make sure you do your research before selecting a system!
- Not waterproofing the walls
Water can easily seep through the basement walls, so it’s important to waterproof them as well. The water will eventually find its way to the basement floor and cause damage if you don’t. It is a relatively easy process to waterproof the walls, so there’s no excuse not to do it!
- Not using a drainage system
A drainage system is essential for basement waterproofing. If you don’t have one, the water will eventually get to the basement floor and cause damage. A drainage system will help divert the water away from the basement and dry it.
- Ignoring your gutters
Gutters are an essential part of basement waterproofing. If they are clogged or damaged, the water will get to the basement. Make sure your gutters are in good condition and properly draining water away from the house. As moisture falls off the roof, it will fall into the basement if there is nowhere for it to go.
If you don’t have gutters, you should consider having them installed. If they are not properly taken care of, they can cause basement water damage. Maintenance is suggested every year to keep your basement dry and free of any potential issues.
- Your sump pump isn’t working properly
A sump pump is an essential part of basement waterproofing. If it isn’t working properly, the water will eventually get to the basement floor and cause damage. Make sure your sump pump is in good condition and properly draining water away from the house.
- DIY Sealants
Often, basement waterproofing is attempted with DIY sealants or a basement moisture barrier. These products are not designed for basement waterproofing and don’t work as well as a professional basement sealing service would. They might provide you with short-term relief from flooded basements, but they won’t solve the problem in the long run.
- Poor basement ventilation
Another basement waterproofing mistake some people make is not ventilating the basement properly. The basement should have enough ventilation not to build up and cause moisture to form on surfaces. If you don’t have any basement ventilation, consider adding a dehumidifier or an air purification system. Many homeowners use basement dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity of their basement, which also helps prevent mold and mildew. Your home’s foundation is important, so you should take all the necessary precautions to keep it in top condition.
- Not getting the basement properly tested
There are many reasons why you should get your basement properly tested for water damage. Basement waterproofing Chester VA will test your basement to determine whether there is any moisture in the basement. If you have basement water damage, then basement waterproofing companies will use infrared cameras to determine where the basement moisture is located. Once tested, a professional waterproofing will use the proper basement sealing technique to ensure that your basement is completely dry.
- Using basement sealants incorrectly
Basement waterproofing needs to be done using the right basement sealant. If you are not careful, you might end up with a big mess on your hands. You will want to read all the instructions carefully and make sure you use the sealant correctly. You might have basement water damage, but basement waterproofing professionals will be able to solve this problem for you. A wet basement is not only a basement waterproofing mistake that needs to be taken care of. It can also cause mold and mildew to form in your basement. This is very dangerous for the basement and you as well.
- Ignoring basement water damage
If basement waterproofing is not performed, basement water damage will continue to get worse and affect more of your basement. Eventually, you will have major basement flooding, leading to mold growth and structural damage. If basement flooding is noticed immediately, the basement waterproofing company might be able to use a basement dehumidifier or basement drainage system to help get the basement dry again. However, if basement water damage is ignored, it can cause serious and expensive problems that will require foundation repair Chester VA.
Basement waterproofing Chester VA will help you avoid these common mistakes. If you have any basement water damage issues, please don’t hesitate to call a basement waterproofing or crawlspace waterproofing Chester VA company for help.
