Keeping our basements dry and free from water damage is essential for avoiding costly structural repairs. Unaddressed water infiltration from inside the basement can lead to mould, mildew growth, rusting metal components and weakened foundation walls due to pressure buildup within the wall cavities – all of which are expensive problems to fix! Below you will find five easy steps for waterproofing your home’s basement. Keep reading to learn more.
Assess the damage and determine how much water is leaking into your basement
Water can have disastrous consequences on your home, so quickly assessing the damage and determining how much water is leaking into your basement is essential. Start with a visual inspection, noting any signs of discoloration or visible water lines. Once you note where the water is coming from, you should use a moisture detector to pinpoint areas of elevated moisture levels. Finally, take steps to protect oneself and reduce further damage such as moving furniture away from wet areas, placing buckets or pans under dripping pipes, and staunching any flowing or standing water. Taking the necessary precautions to prevent further flooding will help keep your home safe from water-related damage.
Install a sump pump to draw out any water that has collected in the basement
Installing a sump pump in your basement is an important preventative measure that can help protect your home from water damage. A sump pump works by collecting any unwanted water and pumping it away, ensuring the air remains dry so you can avoid any potential structural, electrical or health risks. Although the installation process may seem intimidating, with the right tools and guidance, you can easily set up and maintain a sump pump on your own.
Apply waterproofing sealant or paint to the interior walls of the basement
One of the best ways to protect the interior walls of a basement is by applying a good quality waterproofing sealant or paint. This will help to prevent any damage from water seepage and dampness, ensuring your basement stays dry and comfortable. Application is relatively easy – you simply need to clean the surface thoroughly, apply the sealant or paint evenly in overlapping strokes, and allow it to dry completely before moving back into the area. With proper waterproofing techniques, you can guarantee that your basement walls stay dry and secure for years to come.
Invest in a dehumidifier to reduce moisture and prevent mould and mildew growth
If you want to keep your home healthy and reduce the amount of harmful mould, mildew, and bacteria, a dehumidifier is an excellent investment. Dehumidifiers are especially beneficial for homes located in humid regions or with basement areas that generate condensation. With a dehumidifier, you’ll be helping to get rid of excess moisture from the air, thus preventing things like dank musty smells and destructive indoor mould growth. Additionally, reducing moisture levels can help prevent allergy-causing dust mites and other microorganisms from flourishing in your home. Not only is investing in a dehumidifier beneficial for your health, but it can also save money on expensive repair work caused by mould damage. Investing in a dehumidifier will help create a safer and healthier environment for everyone!
Invest in a reliable drainage system to keep water away from the foundation of your home
A reliable drainage system is an essential part of protecting the foundation of your home. Without proper drainage, water can build up near the foundation causing serious damage to the structure of your home over time. Investing in a quality drainage system now will save you money in costly repairs down the line and help keep your house dry and safe from water-related damage. With professional waterproofing contractors, you can get peace of mind for your basement. Emergency Flood Response provides water damage restoration in Toronto and London, Ontario. Contact us for expert home waterproofing.