The basement is the most vulnerable part of any building since it’s constructed underground and acts as a transition between the dry living areas aboveground and the saturated ground below. This makes it more likely to be damaged by water infiltration, requiring waterproofing to keep it in optimal condition. Basement waterproofing is important for both residential and commercial buildings — here are some reasons why:
- Waterproofing protects the foundation from moisture damage. A wet foundation can lead to cracks, which can jeopardize the structural stability of your building over time. This can be particularly problematic for older or historic homes, where maintaining a structurally sound home may require extensive repair work that you may not necessarily have the funds for.
- Waterproofing protects the rest of your building from moisture damage as well. If water infiltrates through the foundation, it can run into other parts of your building and cause further damage (e.g., mold growth in walls, ceilings, or furnishings). By waterproofing your basement properly, you’ll prevent any moisture problems from affecting other areas of your home or business.
- Basement waterproofing prevents pests like termites and bugs from getting inside. Borers, roaches, mice, snakes — all sorts of creepy crawlers will gladly make their way indoors if they find a moist basement to inhabit. This is not only unpleasant but can also lead to pest-caused damage to your home or business. Preventing this from happening is easier than getting rid of the pests once they’re already there — waterproofing protects your building from termite and insect damage, in addition to water damage.
- Basement waterproofing extends the lifespan of a building by preventing moisture from seeping into its foundation. The longer a building stands, the more susceptible it becomes to water infiltration due to prolonged exposure to water. Since basement waterproofing keeps moisture out early, you can expect your building to stand for many decades (or even centuries) without structural degradation resulting from long-term moisture exposure.
- Waterproofing prevents mold and mildew growth in your basement and elsewhere. Mold and mildew thrive in damp and moist environments, so keeping your basement dry will prevent them from forming inside. Preventing mold growth can help you keep your building safe for the health of its residents or employees.
- Basement waterproofing creates a more comfortable living environment. Moisture both inside and outside the home encourages germs to grow, which means that you’ll be inhaling bad air every time you go down into your basement; this is particularly dangerous if people are spending a lot of time there (e.g., for work) or if it contains a ventilation system for heating or cooling purposes. Instead, enjoy breathing easily by keeping water away from your basement!
Basement waterproofing is important to maintaining a safe and healthy home or business. Whether you’re building from the ground up, remodeling your basement, or simply need to fix an existing problem, waterproofing should be one of your top priorities. No matter your property size, it’s worth investing in preventing water damage by hiring a professional contractor who offers basement waterproofing services.
