Basements are formed by the foundation of the home that is partially set underground. Basements serve a wide variety of purposes for today’s homeowner. The basement may be a playroom for small children, game room for older children, home office space, storage space or even room for extra bedrooms. Waterproofing basement areas can help to make these areas of the home more comfortable and livable.
Basement Moisture Problems
If you have water in your basement or a general feeling of dampness, you are one of many homeowners dealing with common basement moisture problems. These problems often occur due to improper grading under the home, settled of the home on the soil, improperly paved surfaces around the home, poor drainage around the foundation, poorly functioning gutters or a combination of these problems. With the help of basement waterproofing, you can protect your basement.
Deterioration of construction materials
The constant presence of moisture is well known to produce destructive effects on many materials and basement waterproof solution could be possible solution for the destruction. The concrete itself becomes saturated and may produce cracks in the foundation when the water freezes and thaws as temperatures vary. This action can cause even greater moisture problems in the basement. In addition, other materials in basement areas can become damaged by moisture seepage. Basement moisture problems can cause expensive damage to basement interiors. Drywall, paneling, floor coverings and furniture can be ruined by constant exposure to moisture and may require periodic replacement.
Mold and Mildew
Moisture also produces the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. Spores can enter the basement in the water or from the air and begin to reproduce on material surfaces. This action can cause the characteristic basement odor that makes living quarters below ground so unpleasant. Mold growth can also have effects on your family’s health, with nasal problems, throat irritation, lung infections, rashes and other allergic reactions.
A good contractor will inspect the foundation at various points to determine the source of the moisture. In some cases, the contractor may recommend increasing the drainage of soil around the foundation to direct moisture away from foundation walls. He may also suggest gutter repair to prevent water from collecting close to the walls of the foundation. If cracks or holes are visible in the foundation, the contractor may suggest repairing these flaws before applying waterproofing substances to the foundation walls.
Basement waterproofing
Waterproofing your basement can help to minimize seepage problems and damage to construction materials and furnishings. Waterproofing uses special chemical coatings and materials to provide a barrier to prevent moisture intrusion into the interior. A reputable basement-waterproofing contractor can provide effective, professional waterproofing services for your home’s individual needs. Call an experienced basement-waterproofing contractor today to discuss your home’s water problems.