Water, being as useful as it is, can be extremely harmful to properties too. Seepage can weaken the structure of a house from within, gnawing it up and feeding on the moisture, slowly leading to mold and potential damage to the property. This is why sealing the interior and exterior of a house against moisture is extremely important. This is especially true for basements, as due to their very nature, they are known to attract more moisture than usual, leading to a lot of damage. If you are struggling with basement seepages yourself and looking for Naperville basement waterproofing specialists, finding a good one is worth a little research. In the blog below, we are going to discuss in detail why interior and exterior basement waterproofing is something you shouldn’t skip!
What Does Basement Waterproofing Entail?
Basically, waterproofing is the act of treating your foundation or other structure to keep moisture out. Water often enters a building at its lowest point, which is typically the basement. When there is inadequate drainage and rain, water may seep through the walls. Your house is susceptible to water seeping upwards into the substructure because it is subterranean or located close to an area with a low water table. A basement, as well as the crawl area, is more likely to have moisture, which may accumulate over time and cause serious harm. Your house may get damp due to wall cracks, leaking water pipes and ductwork, condensation from cold temperatures and/or inadequate ventilation, and outdated drafty windows. Basements with inadequate ventilation are another factor in the development of mildew and mold.
Where Does The Water Come From In The Basement?
Living in an area with a high groundwater area significantly increases the likelihood of having basement problems. Groundwater may build up and exert pressure on the foundation walls in certain regions when precipitation is heavy. The likelihood of the walls breaking rises as a result of the strain. You must exercise additional caution to avoid your basement from turning into a sanctuary for moisture if your property wasn’t really waterproofed during construction. The majority of external grading issues, inadequate air conditioning or ventilation, cooler surface temperatures, or a lack of guttering or downspouts are to blame for basement moisture issues. Furthermore, it’s important to understand that proper ventilation is key for keeping mold and moisture out of your basement. Fans, conditioners, air purifiers, and uncovering your basement window may all help with ventilation.
Signs of Moisture In the Basement
Look for obvious leaks in your walls, vents, and pipes to find the source of the water. White tracks of powdered material on the walls are one of the obvious indicators of dampness. As the water dries, something develops. A musty odor brought on by fungus development is another sign of basement dampness. Visual dampness is something to watch out for since water might seep in through the windows and walls.
Another sign to look out for is hydrostatic pressure, which occurs when the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with water and exerts pressure on the walls. If you notice cracks in your basement walls or floors, this could be a sign of hydrostatic pressure and should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
What Are The Risks Of Having A Wet Basement?
Bacteria: A damp basement is a favorable environment for the growth of dangerous bacteria. If the germs are not removed completely after becoming airborne, the illness will keep recurring. Once suspended in the air, the bacteria may cause many different severe illnesses. On moist, natural stuff like hardwood planks and walls, these bacterial colonies thrive. Furthermore, these airborne pests may quickly spread throughout the home if the foundation is not properly sealed.
Mold: Mold is the health risk that is most often associated with both living and working in wet conditions. Simply said, mold is a fungus that may be found in a wide range of hues. It may seem fuzzy and spread quickly on almost any interior surface, including walls and carpets. Mold emits microscopic fungal spores into the air, and if you breathe these spores in, they may damage your airways. This can lead to headaches, eye infections, respiratory ailments, and asthma.
Dust Mites: Unexpected consequences of moist basements include dust mites. These little creatures like warm climates, and being near water makes them feel totally at home. Thus, you could have a dust mite infestation in your basement if you have a blocked nose, eye irritation, or sneezing fits. Experts advise maintaining your home’s humidity below 50% and buying air conditioning on very warm days if you want to get rid of these pests.
Pests: Creepy crawlies in your cellar are the last thing you need to be thinking about. Rodents, roaches, insects, reptiles, and ants are just a few of the undesirable visitors that a damp basement may attract.
Waterproofing the most moisture-prone area of the house is something that should be on your list of home-related priorities. Having a sound waterproofing solution in place will not only save you from all the seepage-related anxieties but will also potentially save you a lot of money going forward. If you are wondering whether or not to waterproof your basement, both the interiors and exteriors, this is your sign to just go ahead with it.
