5 Reasons To Waterproof Your Basement
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Nowhere else is this truer than when it comes to home ownership. When you buy a home, your expectation is that it will last for decades, in order to either build up equity so you can make a profit upon an eventual sale, or you can hand it down to your kids in great shape.
But one of the most insidious problems a homeowner can encounter is water damage. It can strike without warning and cause massive damage. One of the most common areas water damage occurs is within the basement. It can be worth your while to waterproof your basement, especially considering the potential costs of foundation repairs. Here are 5 reasons why:
- If your home is located in an area with persistent wet soil, there’s a real risk of water seepage. They’re usually found in edges and the joints where walls and floor meet. If ignored, bigger problems can occur, such as a cracked foundation.
- Mother Nature can create problems, particularly if you’re in an area prone to hurricanes or heavy rains. Basement waterproofing becomes a must in areas like these.
- Many of us use the basement as a storage space for books, wine, or anything else. With an improperly waterproofed space, valuables can be irreparably ruined.
- Moisture is the perfect home for mold and bacteria growth. Black mold is one of the worst, and it contains high levels of toxins that can cause death with prolonged exposure.
- If the area next to your home doesn’t slope away from the basement location, water will be drawn to it and cause damage. It’s best to get the slope leveled, as well as having the basement waterproofed.