3 Reasons You Should Waterproof Your Basement
Most of the time when people think “home improvement” the things that come to mind are more visible, “big ticket” items like new extensions to the home, or finishing the basement to make it an additional, usable room for the rest of the house. Most people don’t think about waterproofing their basement, but it’s one of those processes—like a new roof, or better insulation—with few cosmetic benefits, but a lot financial security and savings in the long run. Here are three reasons why should consider getting your basement waterproofed.
Health
A consistently damp or leaky basement creates a dark, damp environment that is an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew colonies. If the colonies gain a foothold and spread, they can present a health risk, especially for people with sensitivity to respiratory illnesses such as asthma or even just allergies. Because mold and mildew reproduce by sending spores into the air, the basement now becomes a source of constant air pollution for the rest of the home, contaminating the air.
Lower Repair Costs
Constant exposure to water, even in small amounts, will damage your basement in the long run, requiring more repairs. Water sitting on the floor or leaking through walls can damage paint, wooden construction in older homes, and, for finished basements, can damage carpet and drywall. Any and all of these are costly repairs, and you will need to repair them again and again after every heavy rain fall or spring melt if your basement is prone to leaks. A waterproofed basement simply eliminates this problem for good.
Flood Prevention
One of the most damaging things that can happen to a home is flooding. A flooded basement is especially dangerous because of all the potential gas appliances and electrical wiring that are located in most basements. An additional health hazard presents itself if the flood is the result of sewage back up. When you waterproof your basement, it dramatically reduces the risk of flooding from sewage back up and heavy rain fall as long as you take the appropriate steps with both the basement and your home’s foundation and other infrastructure to eliminate the most common causes for flooding.
Prevent water from penetrating your basement is exactly the kind of expertise that AAAction Waterproofing has been providing to Maryland for nearly 30 years. If you’d like to get the benefit of our experience and safeguard your basement, just get in touch with us for a consultation. We’ll be happy to help.