Sunday, October 23, 2011

How To Keep The Basement Safe From Water Damage: Basement Waterproofing And More


If water and moisture makes its way into a home's basement, the entire building will be compromised. Once the foundation of a house is damaged, it can be a nightmare to correct. Water damage can be swift, destroying a finished living space and causing long term damage that requires an extensive foundation repair project. The best way to prevent these issues in the first place is to keep moisture out from under a home in a number of ways.

Take A Proactive Stand With Basement Waterproofing

After damage occurs, most homeowners scramble to play catch up, rushing to dry out carpets, drain out a sump hole, and try to stem the flow into the home. Basement waterproofing is the ideal solution for preventing all of the hassles and damage before they happen.

Keeping the area under a house dry requires a comprehensive solution. Moisture intrusion can occur through the floor, the walls, and as a result of condensation. A waterproof subfloor, water-resistant coatings or paneling on the wall, and water-tight frames on the windows go a long way towards effective basement waterproofing.

Get A Warranty From A Reliable Waterproofing Company

Moisture intrusion can be difficult to stop completely and forever. Even the best materials will eventually wear down or wear thin, permitting moisture to affect a home. Other times, minor damage to the foundation might result in an entry point for water that is otherwise invisible to the eye. A major 100 year storm seems to come around more often than once every 100 years.

For all of these contingencies, a warranty through a waterproofing company is the best way to achieve peace of mind. These warranties are also ideal for homeowners and realtors who are looking to sell a property so prospective buyers can have the same peace of mind. Either way, having a waterproofing company that stands by its warranty makes all the difference when handling a damp basement.

Route Rainfall Away From The Home

By routing rainfall from downspouts, gutters, and the roof away from the home, it will not pool around the foundation looking for a way to get inside the house. Use landscaping to create a slope away from the house and install downspout extensions to keep rainfall far from the foundation. Five or six feet is ideal when it comes to routing rainfall away.

Consider Insulation And Dehumidifiers

Pipes running underneath a house can cause condensation and moisture buildup. Laundry appliances and the dryer specifically create hot, moist air. Make sure all pipes are insulated and appliance vents leave the house. Add a dehumidifier to grab any moisture from the air. Moist air in the home will eventually settle out as condensation, so it is imperative to get that air outside. If there is a bathroom downstairs, make sure to install exhaust fans there as well.

These tips cover a lot of ground and will help to prevent costly foundation repair and property damage.




Chris Harmen is an author for Basement Warranty Corporation, the premier waterproofing company in Macomb County. They offer comprehensive basement waterproofing in Detroit, MI for homeowners and realtors.




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