For many homeowners, the basement is just the part of the home that is either overlooked or used for storing junk and holiday decorations that are brought out only once a year. But should the basement really be overlooked? When you really look at things, the basement actually serves as one of the most important parts of the home. Apart from storing belongings, it serves as a foundation for the property which means that a compromised basement can seriously affect the structural integrity of your home.
Waterproofing your basement is one of the best ways to ensure that it maintains its integrity. It also helps prevent other issues like rot, flooding and mould infestation, which could also constitute serious health risks. Basement waterproofing, however, involves a lot more than slapping on a few coats of waterproof paint, and with so much information (and misinformation) about it on the Internet, it can be hard to tell myth from fact. This is why in this article, we have compiled a list of some of the popular facts and myths about basement waterproofing.
Basement Waterproofing is Expensive – Myth
Like many homeowners looking to waterproof their basement, you’ve probably searched the Internet for the average cost of basement waterproofing, and chances are, you are intimated by the prices you’ve seen. This is understandable, but you need to bear in mind that these prices are usually inflated and on the upper end of the spectrum.
Factors like the nature and size of your basement, pre-existing damages, location, amount of work that needs to be done and even the weather conditions of where you live can affect the cost of your basement waterproofing. The best way to get an accurate and reasonable estimate is to hire a contractor or waterproofing specialist to survey your basement and give you a personalised quote.
A Basement that is not Waterproof is a hot Spot for Mould- Fact
Mould thrives in spaces that are warm, dark, and damp, so a basement that has no waterproof system set in place would most definitely be a perfect environment for mould to grow, and because mould spores spread pretty easily, it is only a matter of time before they spread from the basement to other parts of your home. Mould poses a serious health risk for you and your family as it can lead to respiratory issues like asthma and allergies, so it is important that you prevent them by properly waterproofing your basement. Consult a professional damp specialist London for complete peace of mind.
Basement Waterproofing is a Waste of Money- Myth
Because many homeowners don’t make use of their basements, they believe waterproofing it is a waste of time and money. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In addition to being a health risk to you and your family (mould), water getting into your basement can weaken the foundation of your property and lead to structural damage. Also, in the event that you want to sell, a compromised basement can bring down your property’s value.
Basement Waterproofing can Improve Property Value- Fact
Many experts agree that basement waterproofing is a worthy investment. Not only will you save money by preventing potential water damage, but when the time comes to sell your home, you will also reap extra benefits. Most buyers will pay a little extra if a property has a waterproofed basement. This is because a waterproofed basement counts as useful space and can be subsequently converted into an extra room, a cellar, a gym or even a home theatre.
Simply Airing out Your Basement is Enough- Myth
A common mistake many homeowners make is thinking that using a dehumidifier or improving ventilation is enough to solve a moisture or humidity problem in the basement. Now while these methods can be useful, they do not offer the long-term solution that waterproofing does.
Crawl Spaces are Also Important- Fact
Like basements, crawl spaces are also often neglected by many homeowners, but they actually play an important role in keeping your home dry. Crawl spaces often trap humidity and heat, which means that they can contribute to the spread of moisture and even mold in your basement so ensure to always keep them dry with dehumidifiers.
DIY Water Proofing isn’t Foolproof- Fact
As stated earlier, a lot goes into waterproofing a basement. Attempting to DIY your basement waterproofing is a bad idea and can end up making things worse. It is always better to hire a professional for your basement waterproofing.
Key Takeaways
The longer you wait to get your basement waterproofed, the more you risk your property suffering from water and moisture damage- not to mention the health risks to you and your family. So, if your home isn’t waterproofed, you should really consider consulting with an expert soon. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding basement waterproofing; hopefully, this article has been able to clear up some of those misconceptions.
