If you’re a property owner, you understand the stressful headaches and significant expenses basement flooding can cause. When your basement floods, you may have to hire professionals to repair damage that impacts your entire property.
You may choose to attempt a DIY basement waterproofing project on your own. However, when you hire the right professional team, you ensure efficient and reliable work and can anticipate a worry-free, dry basement.
Waterproofing a basement can offer numerous benefits and protect your home’s foundation. Keep your property safe and dry by deciding to waterproof your basement today.
What causes water damage and basement flooding?
Typically, water damage and basement flooding are caused by inclement weather and poor drainage. Sudden challenges such as faulty or burst pipes can greatly contribute to water issues in your basement, too.
A water-damaged basement can impact any homeowner, and annually, basement flooding costs billions of dollars in drainage repair. 98% of basements experience some level of water damage. Even a ⅛ inch crack in a water pipe can cause 250 gallons of water to leak in one day.
Poor water drainage can impact your yard, flood your basement, and threaten your home’s foundation.
The challenges of poor drainage
Poor drainage can cause the following issues for commercial and residential property owners alike:
- Basement Flooding
- Black Mold
- Burst Pipes
- Dead Grass and Plants
- Decreased Property Value
- Foundational Cracks
- Flooded Yards
- Indoor Humidity
- Insect Infestation
- Mildew
- Property Eyesores
- Soil Erosion
- Standing Water
- Structural Damage
- Swampy Yard
- Warped Floorboards
- Water Pollutants
Addressing poor drainage issues by hiring an experienced team to install a new yard drainage system or waterproofing a basement can greatly reduce the threat of most of these issues.
Is your basement at risk of flooding?
Unfortunately, if your home has a basement, you’re automatically at risk of basement flooding. Thankfully, taking the proactive step of basement foundation waterproofing can protect your property from the worst results of water damage.
The following factors can contribute to your risk of basement flooding:
- Backed up or clogged sewers
- Burst pipes
- Clogged gutters
- Groundwater seeps (if your water table is high or your property experiences an increase in hydrostatic pressure —the natural pressure of liquid over the surface it contacts)
- Improperly installed gutters or downspouts
- Pre-existing cracks in your foundation
- Surface water seepage (often the result of poor drainage and clogged gutters)
Signs you need basement waterproofing
You might consider taking the proactive step of waterproofing your basement before issues arise. Nevertheless, if any of the following signs occur, your basement needs waterproofing:
- Basement dampness, flooding, or mold
- Basement floor cracks
- Basement humidity
- Discolored paint
- Insect infestation
- Leaks
- Musty odors
- Rust
- Sump pump failure
- Warped doors, floorboards, or basement stairs
- Water stains on walls or basement ceilings
Waterproofing a basement
Waterproofing a basement can save you long-term costs and stress, and can even increase your property value by 10% – 30%. A professional waterproofing process will last anywhere from 5-20 years. Installing exterior sealants or a French drain yard drainage system can extend the life of basement waterproofing to 20-30 years.
What is basement waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing prevents excess water from entering your basement by applying waterproof coatings and sealants. Waterproofing a basement protects your home’s foundation and prevents groundwater, rainwater, and more from seeping into your basement and causing costly damage.
How to waterproof your basement
Waterproofing your basement requires the right sealant and a meticulous process that includes exact measurements. Although you may choose to tackle basement waterproofing as a DIY project, using professional services can ensure a correct process and effective, long-lasting results.
Combining exterior and interior waterproofing can improve your results and add an extra layer of protection to your property’s foundation. Hiring the right landscaping and drainage services team to take care of exterior waterproofing may involve:
- Installation of a drainage system, such as a French drain system
- Cleaning and replacement of downspouts and gutters
- Adding an exterior coat of a premium sealant to foundation walls
- Correct grading of your yard to ensure water is diverted away from your property’s foundation
Waterproofing your basement’s interior requires the following:
- Waterproof sealant cover for all wall, ceiling, and floor cracks
- Effective sealing of door and window cracks
- Installation of an effective sump pump that is then connected to your overall drainage system
- Application of waterproof coatings or paint to cover your basement floors and walls
5 reasons to waterproof your basement
If you still aren’t convinced that you need to waterproof your basement, here are five vital reasons why you should consider adding waterproof protection as soon as possible.
Improves Air Quality
Mold and mildew can pollute the air inside of your home and create foul odors and significant health risks, including asthma and respiratory ailments. Keeping your basement dry can greatly improve your home’s air quality, keep your loved ones healthy, and allow you to get the most out of your property.
Increases Property Value
Waterproofing a basement offers structural protection, additional usable space, and peace of mind to potential buyers. This also means that you won’t have pre-existing water damage that you need to address before putting your home on the market.
Prevents Flooding, Water Damage, and Mold Growth
Both exterior and interior basement waterproofing prevent floodwaters from reaching and damaging your foundation. You’ll be protected from the extremely high costs of repairing water damage (which often includes drywall and insulation replacement).
Waterproofing your basement also reduces the risk of hazardous black mold, fungal, and mildew growth that can create serious health issues.
Protects Structural Integrity
When you waterproof your basement, you add extra protection from cracks that can form in your foundation. Warped floorboards and fixtures, foundational settling, and bowing walls can all result from basement flooding, but a waterproofed basement enhances structural integrity.
Reduces Utility Costs
A flooded or damp basement can lead to high energy bills as you may have to significantly increase or decrease the temperature on your thermostat for cooling and heating.
Waterproofing your basement both reduces the cost of your utilities bill and the risk of a water damage insurance claim which can lead to increased homeowner’s insurance rates.
Basement Waterproofing FAQ
Does homeowner’s insurance cover basement flooding?
Your homeowner’s insurance policy might cover water damage or flooding from a broken appliance or burst pipe. However, most policies do not include coverage for basement flooding or water damage due to rainwaters, ground water, or poor yard drainage.
Who should I hire for basement waterproofing?
Look for verified specialists in your area for basement waterproofing, This may be a comprehensive landscaping and drainage services company, such as Ware Landscaping in the greater Chicago, Illinois area.
Specialized waterproofing firms are also a great option, as their staff will have the appropriate training, experience, and equipment to ensure the project is correctly completed.
How often do I need to reapply waterproof sealant?
If premium sealant is applied correctly, you shouldn’t have to reapply it for at least five years. However, if you don’t have the right yard drainage system installed, you may have to address this issue as well to allow the full benefits of waterproofing your basement.
Founded in Naperville, Illinois over twenty years ago, family-owned and operated Ware Landscaping is dedicated to offering premium, customized landscaping and drainage solutions for our Chicago area neighbors. We’re passionate about helping you get the most out of your property.
Connect with us with any questions you may have about basement waterproofing and drainage systems, and check out our website to explore our comprehensive services.
