Basement Waterproofing FAQ
Basements are notoriously dark, damp, and musty spaces in our homes, but they don’t have to be. With the right protections in place, you can prevent basement leaks at your Baltimore, MD home and keep your basement dry and comfortable. Budget Waterproofing Inc provides an extensive list of services to help you prevent leaks and flooding in your basement, and we’ve compiled a list of questions we regularly get about these services. If you don’t find the information you want here, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
What Are the Signs of a Basement Leak?
There are some obvious signs that you have a leak in your basement, such as water pooling on the floor or running down the walls. However, there are many signs of water leaks that aren’t as noticeable. Keep an eye out for any of the following in your basement, as they are all signs that you have moisture seeping into your space:
- Strong musty odors
- Bubbling wallpaper or peeling paint
- Dry rot
- Damp spots on the walls and floors
- Cracks in the walls or floors
- A white residue build-up on the walls
- Rust accumulation on appliances and metal furniture
Why Do Basements Leak?
Basement leaks in Baltimore can be caused by any number of factors. Any problem in or around your home that allows water to sit near the foundation can cause a leak in your basement. If you’ve noticed water in your home’s basement, start by checking the following items to identify the cause:
- Gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems: Make sure there are no clogs and that all these systems are working effectively to divert water away from the foundation.
- Soil grade: The soil around your foundation should be sloped to encourage water to move away from exterior walls. If the grade is sloped toward the house, this could be causing your leak.
- Cracks in the basement: Water finds the path of least resistance, so if there are cracks present in your basement, that’s likely what’s causing the leakage of water. This is also a sign that your foundation may need to be repaired.
Is Basement Waterproofing Necessary?
You may be wondering if basement waterproofing is worth the cost, but a leaky basement could spell big problems. Even if your basement has never flooded, there’s always a risk, why not do everything you can to prevent this issue? You’re also putting your belongings at risk by not waterproofing your basement. Any item in this space could potentially be ruined by water when your basement leaks.
How Does Basement Waterproofing Work?
Basement waterproofing isn’t just one quick fix. It is a variety of components that all work together to prevent water seepage into the home. A fully waterproofed basement is achieved only through both interior and exterior components. Starting on the inside, any cracks or holes in the floor, walls, or ceiling need to be filled and sealed with the proper watertight materials. The same goes for any basement windows. Moving to the exterior, the process involves excavating soil that surrounds your foundation to achieve the optimal grade. You want the ground to be sloped so that water runs away from the house and not toward it, effectively moving water from near the foundation. This requires the knowledge and planning skills of an experienced professional, as well as advanced equipment. Lastly, once the soil has been accurately graded, it’s advised that a sealant, often a polymer-based material, is applied to the exterior walls to help keep water out.
Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?
The simple answer: yes, it does. Buyers will not want to purchase a home that has a leaky basement, nor will they want to pay a regular market price for one. Showing that you’ve waterproofed your basement will ensure buyers that the home is protected, and they won’t have to worry about any leaks in the future, allowing you the potential to get more money in the sale. Baltimore, MD homes that are listed with signs of water damage are not likely to sell without first fixing the issue, so why not get ahead of the game? A qualified home inspector will see the signs immediately, alert potential buyers of the cause, and warn them not to buy until it’s fixed. This means money out of your pocket and a rushed timeline to complete the project. Instead, think ahead and waterproof your basement now before putting it on the market.
Does Basement Waterproofing Paint Work?
While waterproofing paint can provide temporary relief from a leaking basement, the truth is no paint can compete with the hydrostatic pressure created by groundwater forever. Eventually, with enough pressure build-up, the water will find its way through the foundation and through the paint. This means you’ll either need another coat of paint (only after painstakingly stripping off the old one) or you’ll have to resort to an alternative method, which you could’ve done in the first place. Applying waterproofing paint is also a time-consuming job. First, you’ll have to ensure the concrete is thoroughly dried out, as the paint won’t stick if there is moisture present at application. Next, you’ll have to be extremely meticulous during the application, ensuring there’s paint in every pore, nook, and cranny to create a sealed barrier. Even small missed spots can be enough to allow water to flow through. We suggest you save yourself the trouble and choose a more effective solution to waterproof your basement in Baltimore, MD. Call us today for more information.