8 Overlooked Reasons to Waterproof Your Basement

Your basement is a vital part of your house; as such, it is imperative that you make sure that it is properly maintained. Neglecting your basement can result in tough problems for your entire house.

One thing to help protect and maintain your basement is by waterproofing it.

Below are eight of the most overlooked reasons people don’t waterproof their basement.
Costly Insurance

Most basements experience water damage due to cracks in the foundation or a burst pipe. The damages in your basement can range from a few hundreds to thousands of dollars, so having your home waterproofed is a good investment.

Mold Infestation

Leaking water in your wet basement can be a breeding environment for mold, which can quickly spread all over your house that can lead to health problems for your whole family and also the deterioration of your house. Mold spores can be a problem for many, particularly to those who have allergies and asthma.

Unsecured Window Wells

Normally, a galvanized window well has a width of 36 inches and a projection of 12 inches. This could mean that the area wherein water gets in is extremely big. During extreme down pouring of rain, the risk of window leaks is extremely high.

Electric Bills

If there is water in your basement, you will eventually spend a lot of money on electric bills. Spending money on basement waterproofing will eventually be compensated for the extra amount you are paying in your energy bills in the future.

Water Going Down the Drain

A lot of homeowners aren’t aware that their basements have water leaks. As a matter of fact, about 10% of these leaks are wasting around 90 gallons of water every day.

Basement Floors

This pertains to everything mentioned above. Damage in your basement usually starts small and can easily worsen particularly during winter where the cycle of freeze/thaw can trigger bigger cracks and unexpected leaks. Avoiding further damage is vital, and waterproofing will help with that.

Tie Rod Holes

The concrete forms during the construction of your house were built with wood and held together with ⅝ steel rods as cement is being poured. Oftentimes, the holes are left on your basement floor, which causes water to seep in and collect on the basement floor.

Sump Pump Failure

Experts estimate that the average life expectancy of sump pumps is about 10 years. If the pumps aren’t properly installed or maintained, they will not be able to get expel the water away from your house and only allow the water to amass in your basement. This will quickly result to a flooded basement.

Contact Wet Coast Drainage Solutions for more information on waterproofing your wet basement.