Ways Waterproofing Your Basement Will Improve Your Life
Basement Waterproofing Will Improve Your Life
When you are considering home improvement tasks, basement waterproofing may not be at the top of your list. If you are looking for the best return on investment (ROI), though, it probably should be. Whether your basement is used as liveable space or simply storage, waterproofing it can protect your home from mold and mildew, reduce the risk of flooding, improve indoor air quality, and lower your energy bills. In addition to improving your ROI, investing in basement waterproofing can improve your life in many ways. Here, we look at some of the many benefits of waterproofing your basement.
- Waterproofing the basement leads to a healthier home. Excess water and moisture in your basement create a welcoming environment for mold and mildew. Even if you clean up noticeable standing water, the danger of mold and mildew is still there. Especially if the water has intruded into carpeted areas or wallpaper, the damp environment can easily breed mold and mildew. If mold goes unnoticed, it can make its way from the basement into the air vents, and from there throughout your home. This can lead to respiratory issues, asthma, itchy eyes and skin and more, and when black mold develops, it’s extremely hazardous to the health of those in the household. It also decreases the air quality throughout your home and causes an unpleasant smell. Waterproofing your basement can improve air quality and prevent potential health hazards from lingering in your home.
- A waterproofed basement has fewer safety hazards. A damp basement can harbor safety threads beyond mold. Water damage can cause electronics to become dangerous, and when standing water reaches power sockets, it creates a serious hazard. Waterproofing your basement eliminates these threats by keeping your basement dry.
- You will protect your valuables by waterproofing your basement. What do you store in your basement? If you are like most people, it may be the place you keep objects of sentimental value, like wedding albums, mementos, diplomas, and other such items. Often, people are reluctant to leave these items in case of a fire, but water can be just as damaging if they are not protected. When your basement is waterproofed and you have a working sump pump and drainage system, you can be confident that your important items will remain intact.
- When your basement is sound, it increases your home’s value. The investment you make in waterproofing your basement will pay off when it is time to list your home for sale. It lowers the energy costs and prevents flooding that can damage the foundation and destroy possessions. A potential home buyer will feel better about purchasing a home with a waterproofed basement. What’s more, when you waterproof your basement, you make it suitable for a wider variety of uses. And unlike putting in wallpaper, painting, or remodeling your bathroom, waterproofing your basement is not an investment that is at risk of going out of style.
- Waterproofing your basement is part of protecting your investments. When a basement floods, it does more than damage carpeting, wallpaper, and furniture. In fact, water flooding a basement can seep into the foundation, creating cracks that are not very noticeable when they start but get progressively more substantial. Eventually, these can cause significant damage to the foundation, threatening the structural integrity of your home.
- You’ll have peace of mind when you know your basement is waterproofed. When your basement is not waterproofed, every storm can be a cause for alarm, because you can’t sure your basement won’t flood. When you waterproof your basement, you will no longer have to clean up water every time it rains. By hiring a professional basement waterproofing company to inspect your basement thoroughly and install an effective waterproofing system, you can eliminate worries about flooding and feel confident that your home is protected. Waterproofing your basement protects the investment you have in your home, but it also protects a number of smaller items that are not covered under your homeowner’s insurance, like flooring, furnishings, and anything stored in your basement. Investing in waterproofing protects future investments as well, including any remodeling, finishing, or furnishing your basement that you have planned. You can confidently improve your basement and, by extension, your home, knowing that then work you are doing will not sustain water damage.
What’s involved in waterproofing a basement? You can start by plugging any holes and filling in cracks in the walls. Caulk doors, windows, and window wells to make sure they are sealed. It is also wise to invest in proper drainage and a sump pump. While you’re likely to be able to complete many of these tasks on your own, it’s wise to hire a professional to perform a complete basement waterproofing job and increase your ROI. When competently done, basement waterproofing can provide a return on investment of about 30 percent.
If you are looking for a Maryland company with the experience and know-how to provide basement waterproofing, mild 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. We also offer installation of the EZ Breathe home ventilation system, to clean the air inside your home. 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 serve as a member of the Maryland Multi-Housing Association. 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 410.690.4970 or contact us through our website.