Protect Your Home With Basement Waterproofing

Given the numerous benefits of protecting a home with basement waterproofing, it’s strange that only a small percentage of homeowners actually go through the process each year. Knowing that a home’s value goes up significantly when the foundation is properly sealed, it seems odd that not all homes are protected from water damage.

What are some of the many reasons for waterproofing a basement?

Buying a house is an investment that requires protection from damage of all kinds. Keeping the home safe from water is a smart move and increases the property value when the time comes to sell. Potential home buyers will not even look at a house that’s ruined by mold and mildew.

Homes located in areas of the country that receive heavy rainfall are already in jeopardy of water damage. Maintaining a secure foundation is a must in these areas to prevent structural damage and keeping out moisture that causes staining, rotting and fungi to grow. Cracks in the foundation may occur and cause major damage to the home.

Homes with basements sell well because they can be used for not only laundry rooms, but to store things and for extra living areas. A waterproofed basement creates a dry, safe location for storage and makes it easier on the owner to convert the area into another bedroom or a family room.

Basements infected with mold and mildew give off an obvious odor that indicates the lack of sealing. Humidity builds up in the walls and creates a less than healthy environment for family and pets. Homes with fungi spores and mold are not places where people with allergy problems can live. Seepage will get worse unless the home is dehumidified properly.

Not only will damage happen with water, but insects and pests that live in damp areas can also cause problems. Termites and other waterbugs, not to mention cockroaches, look for areas in homes that are damp and cause immense damage to the home and the items within.

The costs of waterproofing can vary from a simple basement waterproofing DIY project to one that requires a contractor and several thousand dollars. If the home has already suffered a lot of structural damage, the costs may go up even more. However, the safety of the house, family and precious contents should outweigh the finances involved. Waterproofing is a wise investment so that the home may be enjoyed for many years to come.