Basement waterproofing prevents seepage through the foundation walls.

The most common form of damage in a home is water damage because it can be caused by anything from rain, seepage, and humidity to plumbing leaks, overflows, and burst pipes.  Your basement is especially vulnerable to water damage because water can seep in through cracks in the foundation and poor heating or cooling can cause a buildup of moisture or condensation.  It is estimated that around 98 percent of basements experience water damage at some point.

Flooding or excess water in a basement can cause a range of problems including structural damage and mold growth which makes basement waterproofing important.  The following are the main benefits of waterproofing your basement.

Reduction in Cost of Insurance Claims

Water damage accounts for about one fifth of all insurance claims made by homeowners.  Basement flooding may involve cracks in the foundation and structural damage to wood, drywall, and other materials that can quickly drive up the price of the claims.  Major storms and flooding are not the only sources of major water damage in your basement, a slow leak can eventually cause significant structural damage if ignored.  Spending a little to waterproof your basement will help prevent basement flooding which can save you plenty of money on related insurance claims.

Prevention of Basement Flooding

Simple waterproofing actions like sealing cracks in the foundation, installing a sump pump, and installing a drainage system to divert ground water are very effective in preventing basement floods.

Healthier Environment in Home

Excess water or high moisture levels in a home lead to the appearance of mold or mildew.  Mold not only causes additional damage to your property, but also triggers negative health effects including allergies, breathing issues, and even respiratory infections.  You should also keep in mind that mold can grow in hidden areas of your home where it is just as dangerous.  Waterproofing your basement helps prevent mold growth by reducing the moisture level.

Lower Heating and Cooling Costs

If the air in your home is humid, your HVAC system must work harder to heat or cool your home.  This can raise your energy bills as much as 10-15 percent per year according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Effective waterproofing reduces the humidity in your home to keep your heating and cooling bills at acceptable levels.

Basement Floor Protection

Most basements have a concrete floor that is about 2-4 inches thick.  This thin floor is vulnerable to pressure from ground water swelling up underneath it which can cause the floor to crack.  When this happens, your basement is at a much higher risk of seepage or serious flooding.

Consider installing rubber flooring with moisture barrier.

Protection for your Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump is an important part of basement waterproofing, but you cannot rely solely on a sump pump to keep water out of the basement.  Sump pumps can malfunction or stop working altogether if there is a power outage which causes water to rush into the basement.  Using additional waterproofing methods will provide protection for your basement if your sump pump fails.

Prevention of Structural Damage

Water seepage through the foundation of your home can result in significant structural damage by affecting joints and edges where the flooring and walls meet.  The structural damage may include foundation cracks and buckling of the walls and flooring that can eventually threaten the structural integrity of your home.  Much of this damage happens out of sight and may become serious before you realize there is a problem.  Effective waterproofing will protect the joints and edges from excess water and prevent serious structural damage.

By taking the time to waterproof your basement, you can prevent a range of issues that lead to serious damage, unsanitary living conditions, and expensive repairs.  However, even your best efforts cannot guarantee complete protection for your basement.  If you do experience water damage or flooding in your basement, contact a water damage restoration professional as soon as possible.  These professionals will remove standing water and clean up the affected areas before it results in serious damage or mold growth.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.