Generally, when people think of home improvement, waterproofing the basement is not the first thing that comes to mind. It's not the most glamorous job, but the benefits are profound. One of the most common forms of property damage is water damage, which can be caused by rain, burst pipes, leaks, and more. Flooding in the basement can lead to a whole host of problems, including structural damage, which are no joke. It has been estimated that around 98% of the cellars have suffered some water damage.
With that in mind, here are 6 of the main benefits associated with waterproofing your basement.
1. Increase the space and value of your home
Waterproofing your basement increases the area of the living space in the house. Basements have the potential to be a whole different floor in your home, and instead of using them for storage boxes that just collect dust, you could turn that space into something useful. For example, you could turn it into a guest room, movie theater, gym, bathroom, the possibilities are endless. By waterproofing your basement, you can make the most of the space that used to be wasted. Not only can you enjoy the extra space, but you can also add significant value to your home. So if one day you decide to sell your home, you have a huge advantage as your home is not only safer, but also more practical and unique compared to other homes in your neighborhood. As a result, you can sell your home at a higher price and get back the money you spent on waterproofing the basement.
2. Reduce the cost of insurance claims
About a fifth of homeowners insurance claims are due to water damage. Excess water in the basement can cause structural damage and weaken the foundations of your home. If you take the time to waterproof your basement, you can avoid spending large sums of money on related insurance claims.
3. It will lower your energy bills
Yes you've read correctly. Waterproofing your basement can save you energy costs. When waterproofing your basement, you need to seal old cracks. This will prevent cold air from entering your house so your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard to keep the house warm. When the summer months come, it can cause the air in your house to be quite humid and your HVAC system to work harder to keep the house cool. Humidity can affect the efficiency of your air conditioner and, according to the US Department of Energy, can increase your energy bills by up to 10 to 15%. You might think waterproofing your basement is an expensive job, but there are options like oriolebw.com that specialize in affordable basement waterproofing. Think of it as an investment because in the long run you will save more money by reducing your bills and increasing the value of your home.
4. Help avoid long-term health risks
Excess water and moisture in your basement can improve the appearance of mold in your home. Mold is not to be taken lightly as it can not only harm your home but also have negative health effects. For example, it can make allergies and breathing problems worse and, in more severe cases, cause respiratory problems. If you or someone in your home has asthma, the presence of black mold can make the condition worse. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for toxic black mold to grow. So imagine how much it can spread when a basement has some degree of seepage. Prolonged exposure to black mold can be very dangerous. Waterproofing your basement will prevent moisture from becoming trapped in your home, which will prevent mold from growing.
5. Prevent basement flooding
If your basement becomes flooded, it can be very difficult to empty. However, installing a sump pump and drainage system as part of waterproofing your basement is very effective in preventing the basement from flooding. For those unfamiliar with the term sump pump, it is a constructed pit, typically a hole dug in the basement floor. This pit is where the sump pump is located, which dumps the excess liquid it collects. They can either run continuously or be activated automatically when the rising water level is detected.
It is important to note that even if you have waterproofed your basement, no home is 100% safe from flooding or other extreme circumstances. However, your home has a much better chance of getting out with minimal damage if you've waterproofed your basement than if you haven't.
6. Protect the foundations of your home
This point is one of the most important as waterproofing your basement can prevent serious structural damage. Over time, even the slightest leak, water can seep in and affect the joints where the floor and wall meet. This can cause cracks in the foundations, potentially compromising the overall structural security of your home. The problem with this type of damage is that over time, it happens without you even realizing it, until it's too late. Why wait for this to happen at some point when you can prevent it from happening? An effective waterproofing protects the foundations, as no water can penetrate into the joints and edges of the structure.
As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why you should waterproof your basement. The benefits include not only financial benefits, but significant health effects as well. While it may seem like a long job in the beginning, it won't be nearly as long if your foundations fail. Take the initiative today to waterproof your basement and protect yourself from potential problems.
