Around the United States, 98% of basements run a risk of damage ranging from mild to severe. Water damage, in particular, is known to affect this area of the home a lot, preventing you from using it as a fun living area. Waterproofing is a good solution, and most often, you may need a professional to get it done right. If your efforts are not working, here are some possible reasons.
- Poor drying time during waterproofing methods
According to waterproofing professionals, there are different categories of protection from this form of damage. They are interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, and water drainage. Each category is characterized by several complementary methods like sump pumps, dehumidifiers, and crawl space encapsulation. Despite the differences, one requirement is adequate drying time for the method to work.
Failure to stick to the standard drying time often puts the basement at an increased risk of water damage. Additionally, you risk causing structural weakness to the foundation. Basement repair professionals say the drying times may vary depending on the waterproofing method used. However, the least time is three hours. Other times, drying may take days. When you understand the importance of proper drying time, it positively influences the outcome of your waterproofing method.
- Failing to identify potential runoff locations
Have you taken the time to identify the potential runoff locations on the exterior parts of your home? If you have not, you may not know the areas around the house that are regularly waterlogged when it rains or snow melts. In many cases, runoff starts from the roof and its gutters. If there is a faulty or clogged gutter system, the water or melted snow will find another way to slide off.
Usually, the excess water will land on the less dense soil, and when huge quantities pool up in one spot for too long, it gets soaked into the earth. This can become a problem for the basement and the house’s foundation. The risk of damage increases when the basement is not properly waterproofed or has none. This explains why experts recommend considering the external environment before securing the basement. Runoff water always finds somewhere to go, and a poorly waterproofed basement takes the toll.
- Delaying waterproofing of the basement
Usually, a house with a basement must be waterproofed during the building process. If your house’s engineers fail to consider this crucial step, the responsibility falls on you, and you cannot afford to wait it out. Water damage can occur at any time in the year. Therefore, there is no time to waste when you move into a house without a waterproof basement. Any delays allow the place to become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and radon gas. Even worse, waiting too long to waterproof the basement can result in costly repairs you could have avoided.
A home is an investment, and so you should do all you can to retain or increase its value. Aside from that, you are not likely to feel comfortable in a damaged house. These tips should help you solve your basement’s water-related issues.
