Why Should You Waterproof Your Basement?

When asking most homeowners what is on their wish list for home renovations, chances are you will not hear basement waterproofing very often. Let’s face it, waterproofing your basement isn’t a sexy project, it’s not going to help with your home’s curb appeal or aesthetics. But it will help with the overall comfort of your home, as you can rest assured that your basement will not suffer and damage from excessive rain or snow melting.

Here are 5 reasons why you should consider waterproofing your basement:

• It’s Easier To Complete Earlier

There are two main ways to waterproof your basement. The first entails digging a trench along the exterior of your home and lining your foundation walls with a waterproof membrane and installing weeping tile. The second involves digging around your interior foundation walls to lay down weeping tile. Both methods are easier completed and less burdensome when the area is clear. For the exterior of your home, this means before you add bushes and trees to your landscaping, or complete patios and walkways and before you finish your basement for interior work.

• Preventative VS Reactive

When proactively waterproofing your basement, you have the time to schedule the work and budget for the expense. As it seems to always be the way, if you hold off on waterproofing your basement, chances are an issue that will arise at the worst possible time. You may not have budgeted for the unexpected repair forcing you to scramble to find the time and the money. 

• Keep Water Out Of Your Basement

Your basement foundation is made out of concrete, and concrete is porous if the ground around your home becomes saturated with water it will not be able to absorb any more. As rain from a heavy rainfall continues to fall, the water in the ground pushes up against your foundation. If your foundation is not waterproofed properly, eventually the pressure from the added water will force the water in the ground to seep into your basement. If your foundation has a crack or a low laying window that does not have sufficient drainage below it, the potential damage increases significantly as the water will be forced through the crack in the foundation and find its way in through the window. 

• Reduce the Moisture In Your Basement

A properly waterproofed basement will help reduce the overall moisture level in your home. For the same reason noted above, your foundation is porous and will absorb some water even if it doesn’t seep al the way through. This water will eventually evaporate and add to your home’s moisture level. High levels of moisture can lead to mold and musty smells, both are unwanted in your home. 

• Peace Of Mind 

Waterproofing your basement protects your home from one of the largest causes of basement flooding and water damage. Knowing that you won’t have to worry about water entering your basement during an excessively rainy or snowy season provides homeowners with a level of comfort, the same way having more than the minimum insurance plan does.