April Showers May Bring Wet Basements: What to Know

As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. The rainy, dreary days we experience in early spring are necessary to bring the beauty of late spring and summer into full bloom. Unfortunately, all those showers can also create wet basements, as their block walls allow water to seep through. Is your basement damp and musty? There are plenty of reasons not to ignore this, because a wet basement can have a major impact on your home and even your health.

You might have a finished basement that provides additional living space in your home, or you might use your basement for storage or laundry. No matter what purpose your basement serves, it is important to keep it dry. A dry basement can easily be compromised in April, because not only is April the most active period for thunderstorms and rainfall, but also because melting snow can easily make its way into your basement and cause a moisture problem.

Why is it so important to keep a basement dry? It’s about more than that damp, musty basement smell. Moisture in your basement can rust your tools, damage your appliances, and make anything you are storing smell unpleasant. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s look at the ways water in your basement can cause a problem.

• Water can compromise your home’s structural integrity. Water that seeps through the basement walls can damage the foundation of a house. As the weight of the water causes the foundation to crack, the structure of the house can fail. What’s more, damage done to the foundation by rainwater can cause leaks that cause the foundation to weaken due to the push of expanding water. If your foundation becomes damaged, you will notice damage throughout your home.
• Many elements of your home can be damaged by water. It is not just the foundation that will suffer damage, either. The basement walls, floors, and ceilings are vulnerable to water damage as well. Building materials like insulation, wood, and drywall can be damaged, and even cement floors are not impervious to the insidious pressure of water. Electrical wiring in basements can become hazardous when exposed to water, and this can lead to a short circuit or explosion, causing fires or other issues.
• Water in your basement can lead to mold growth in your home. Rainwater and melting snow entering your basement create an environment that’s hospitable for mold growth. Humid and dark, a damp basement is a perfect place for mold to flourish, and as mold spores travel through the air of your home, you may experience health issues. Respiratory problems like asthma and allergies, nasal and sinus congestion, a dry, hacking cough, eye, nose, skin, and throat irritation, nervous system issues, aches and pains, and digestive distress are just some of the symptoms people can experience when exposed to mold.

Fortunately, you can be proactive and keep water out of your basement. It starts with drying out the basement and taking measures to keep it dry. Do not rely on quick fixes like waterproof paint, as this will not stand up to serious water incursion. To keep water out of your basement, you will need tools like a dehumidifier and a sump pump. All holes and cracks in your foundation must be sealed to keep out the rain, and special attention should be paid to window frames, window wells, and doors. Weatherproofing all entry points can help keep water out of your basement. You will also need adequate drainage, which could require a drainage system installed in your basement. Your landscaping may need amendment to help direct water away from your home and prevent it from getting into your basement or compromising your foundation.

Does this all seem overwhelming? It can be difficult for a homeowner to successfully waterproof their own basement. In fact, it is a much better idea to hire an experienced basement waterproofing company to make sure the job is done correctly. When you are deciding between basement waterproofing companies, make sure to hire a company with extensive experience, good credentials, and a solid reputation. Make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured, and well-regarded in the community. Check the corporate information, read reviews, ask around, and see how the company is ranked on sites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau. Once you’ve determined that the companies you are considering are reputable and trustworthy, ask for a free estimate from a few different companies to find a basement waterproofing solution that works for you.

If you are looking for a Maryland company with the experience and know-how to provide basement or crawlspace waterproofing, mold removal, crawlspace encapsulation, sump pump maintenance, or foundation repair, Budget Waterproofing can help. In addition to waterproofing services, we offer foundation repair that goes beyond patching cracks to find the source of the problem. At Budget Waterproofing, we’ve got more than 55 years of experience servicing both commercial and residential customers throughout Maryland. We’re proud of our craftsmanship and confident in our skills, and all of our technicians are fully licensed and insured. We also hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau of Maryland and are a member of the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). We’ve been the recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service Award for 9 consecutive awards! See reviews from our customers on Birdeye. Whether you need foundation repair, basement waterproofing, a drainage system, crawl space waterproofing, or egress window installation, we’ve got you covered, with the experience and skills necessary to improve your basement and protect your property today and in the future. For more information, call us at 410-690-4970.