Two Tips For Preventing Water Damage In Your Basement
Water damage is a problem that homeowners will commonly encounter in their basements. In addition to leading to the growth of molds, excess water can also cause the damage to your home's foundation. Fortunately, if your home is experiencing this type of problem, it is possible to have your basement completely waterproofed to keep this from occurring. In particular, there are two upgrades that you can make that will substantially reduce the chances of this damage occurring.
Coat The Walls With A Waterproofer
Waterproofing coatings are one of the first lines of defense in preventing your basement from suffering this type of damage. There are many small pores and openings in the concrete and stone, which can provide a path for water to gradually seep through. These coatings will fill these pores and prevent water from seeping into the home. For those that are worried about how this coating will impact the appearance, it is possible to purchase these coatings in either clear or colored forms.
However, you should be aware that these coatings will gradually degrade as time passes, which means the waterproofer will need to be reapplied. Unfortunately, there is no real way to determine whether this work needs to be done outside of observing water seeping into the basement. As a result, you may want to proactively apply this coating once every few years.
Install A Sump Pump
Another upgrade that you can make to your home is to install a sump pump in the basement. These are essentially water collectors with a pump that can remove it. When the sump pump detects water accumulating in it, it will automatically activate and remove the water from the basement.
Unfortunately, these pumps are extremely challenging to install, and if this work is done incorrectly, it can cause severe damage to the foundation. As a result, you will need to have this work professionally completed. While this can be somewhat expensive, it may be the best solution for home in low areas that are prone to flooding.
Protecting your basement from water damage is important, but it is an often overlooked task by many homeowners. If this task is neglected, the home can suffer a range of damages and problems that can be remarkably expensive to repair. By understanding the benefits of applying a waterproof coating to the basement and installing a sump pump, you will be in a stronger position to prevent water damage from creating major issues for your house. Talk with a place like Champion Waterproofing for more waterproofing options.