Basements are one of the most underutilized spaces in the home. Beyond serving as extra bedrooms or storage space, they can be turned into game rooms, craft rooms, home gyms, kids' play areas, and many more creative spaces.
Because the basement walls typically form the foundation of a house, keeping basements dry can be a challenge. Floods, rising damp, and other moisture sources make basements vulnerable to moisture or water penetration.
Basement waterproofing is usually necessary to keep water and moisture out of the basement space in order to ensure its optimal utilization. Here are some common problems that can be avoided or minimized with proper waterproofing of your basement.
Water Damage
When water enters your basement through the foundation walls, it can cause major damage to your house. The penetrating water can ruin your basement walls and compromise the structural integrity of your entire home.
Left unaddressed, foundation problems can exacerbate over time and result in costly foundation repairs. Making sure your basement is properly waterproofed is an effective way to minimize the risk of water damage to your basement and the entire home.
Mold Infestation
Mold is ubiquitous but it tends to grow and thrive in a humid or wet environment. When the interior walls of your basement are wet, they become the perfect spots for mold to grow. Mold infestation will make your basement unsafe to stay in because of mold is known to worsen the conditions of people with asthma and other respiratory complications.
Keeping your basement dry with proper waterproofing will ensure healthy enjoyment of the space no matter how you decide to use it.
Trip, Slip, and Electrical Hazards
Wet or flooded basement floors can be trip and slip hazards in the home. Someone could easily fall on the floors and injure themselves while trying to access a flooded basement. Wet basements also increase the risk of electrocution because electricity and water shouldn't mix.
Ensuring your basement is properly waterproofed will significantly reduce the risk of accidents result from the presence of water or moisture within the space.
Not every home has a basement. If you have one in your home, then you shouldn't take it for granted. Beyond providing extra space in your home, your basement is part of your house's foundation. Keeping it dry is essential to ensure its maximum utilization but also keep the entire home in structurally sound condition. Talk to a waterproofing contractor if you see signs of water or moisture seepage in your basement.
We all need and benefit from construction work. Even if you do not own a home, you benefit from the construction done on the space you rent. You also benefit from the construction work done on road, schools, playgrounds, and government buildings. There's no escaping the importance of construction in our society, and yet, most people know very little about the construction industry if they do not work in the industry themselves. We're going to help change that. Here, we will post articles on all sorts of topics related to construction and contractors. You should leave with a much better understanding of the role this work plays in our society and our world.