Across the U.S., an estimated 15 million homes are at risk of flooding. And even among those that can survive major disasters and storms, there’s still always a chance of water damage from a burst pipe or other accidents.
If you’re a homeowner with a basement in your property, you know just how vulnerable it is to getting wet. And when your basement suffers water damage, the whole house is affected.
Basement home maintenance and waterproofing is a must if you want to protect your house. Here are some of the top benefits of basement waterproofing.
Save Money
If you want to save money at home, waterproofing your basement may help pad your wallet later.
Chances are you’ve noticed some moisture or even flooded water in your basement before. And every time your basement suffers water damage, you have to pay for repairs and cleanup. And sometimes, the damage is so bad that significant cracks in the basement’s concrete and rotting wood require extensive insurance claims in order to cover the costs.
But insurance typically doesn’t cover all expenses, and some cover none at all. That’s why it’s crucial to waterproof your basement before disaster strikes to avoid having to pay the price later.
Another way you can save money from basement waterproofing is in cooling and heating costs. If moisture is constantly seeping in your basement and creating a perpetually humid environment, you’ll likely have to pay more in energy costs to maintain a comfortable and dry indoor climate.
Be aware that waterproofing is an investment that you’ll need to make space in your budget for. But it’s an investment that will easily pay for itself when your home faces storms and other threats. Look for basement waterproofing near me to keep your home protected.
Expand Your Living Space
If you dream of starting a home renovation project in your basement, you might not be able to do so until the basement has sufficient waterproofing. Without waterproofing, the walls, floor, and furniture in the basement may easily become damaged in the case of a flood or other leak.
Transform your unfinished basement into a finished, livable space, potentially doubling your home’s square footage. If you want more room to work, play, or to welcome guests visiting your home, waterproof your basement to create an entirely new living space.
Protect Your Home’s Foundation
If you only use your basement for storage or doing laundry, you may overlook the structural importance of this space in your home.
Your basement supports the rest of your home, and when your basement is at risk of crumbling, the whole house is at risk too. And one of the biggest culprits of foundational issues in the basement is water damage.
If water is regularly seeping into your basement, it can destroy the joints between the floor and walls. Then over time, these walls may begin to sag without proper support, eventually leading to the destruction of your home.
Keep damaging water out and protect your home’s foundation with basement waterproofing.
Prevent Health Hazards
Musty, moldy smells are practically synonymous with basements. But this is one smell you shouldn’t ignore.
Once mold and mildew has started growing in your basement, it can be hard to stop it from spreading. And this is especially true if your basement is often wet and humid, the perfect condition for mold growth.
And while not all types of mold pose a health risk, a moldy basement can cause irritation including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and eye irritation.
To avoid living with mold in your home, it’s best to waterproof your basement to keep water and moisture out.
Increase Home Value
When you waterproof your home, you make your property more attractive and valuable to prospective buyers. Then if you sell your home later, you can earn more just by keeping your basement dry.
Many home buyers actively seek out homes with a finished basement. And the first step to finishing your basement is to add waterproofing.
Waterproof your basement so you can enjoy the benefits now—and pass them on to another home owner in the future.
Prevent Pest Problems
If you’re dealing with unwanted critters, it may be because your basement isn’t waterproofed.
A wet and humid basement is a paradise for cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, and other pests that thrive in moist environments. And as these pests multiply, you can expect to see them hanging out in other areas of your home.
If you’re worried about creepy crawlers in your home, upgrade your basement to keep them away.
Less Water Damage
One of the biggest benefits of basement waterproofing is that you no longer have to worry about water damage.
When water leaks into your basement, you may be responsible for several home repairs including fixing cracked concrete, replacing basement appliances, and repairing damaged drywall.
And if you live in a flood-prone area, expect to clean up and fix the damage multiple times a year.
To avoid water damage altogether, make sure you have sufficient waterproofing to protect your basement and belongings.
Basement Home Maintenance Starts With Waterproofing
If you want to protect your home, look to your basement. Waterproofing your basement is a home maintenance necessity if you want to extend the life of your home, create more living space, and protect you and your family.
Find basement waterproofing services near you to start enjoying your cozy and dry basement.
Learn more ways to prevent damage during a disaster in our other home improvement articles!
