If you own a house, you’ll agree that maintaining it can be quite a burdensome task. From keeping it clean to ensuring a safe, structurally sound fortress for your family, everything can become an expensive and emergency repair if not done properly. But what about the basement? Even if you don’t use it, your basement is still likely a storage space and needs to be taken care of. What you may think of as just a puddle or a tiny trickle is a much bigger problem. Basement waterproofing in Pottstown is particularly challenging as basements are prone to moisture and you need to take care of it as much as possible. Water in the basement is a serious problem as it could lead to structural damage or toxic mold. So, how exactly can you keep your basement dry and not let the water ruin your house? Before we understand the solution, first let’s understand the cause of moisture in the basement.
So, what is the Cause of Basement Moisture?
The best Basement waterproofing in Pottstown says that water will find a sneaky way to seep into your home. The basement area is a very vulnerable spot for water. The primary causes are:
1. Poor Drainage and Improper Soil
If rainwater is not drained properly, it finds its way into your basement. The poor draining system is one of the most common causes of water being accumulated in the basement. If the groundwater or rainwater doesn’t find a way out, it will find its way to the house through the basement.
2. Gutter not Installed Properly
Poorly installed gutters will direct the water to the foundation of the home rather than pushing it away.
3. Wrong Slope
The slope around your house should slope away water away from it and not towards it. So, you need to check on that as well.
4. Cracks in the Basement
If there are cracks in the wall or around the window, it provides a path for the water to come inside. Water always looks for the least resistant area to enter inside.
5. Condensation
Sometimes when condensation occurs, it brings mold, mildew and other damage to the already damp basement.
There are two major methods of waterproofing your basement.
1. Interior Waterproofing
This method takes care of your basement from the inside. It is the most common method of waterproofing and is used as soon as an existing problem has been identified. In this case, the cracks in the wall and around the window are first identified. These cracks are then sealed with a sealant and closed watertight. These seals are quite effective and often come with a guarantee as well. While this method is effective to control the moisture and keep the basement water-proof, the bigger problem lies outside.
2. Exterior Waterproofing
You need to get professional help to carry out waterproofing work outside the home. Generally, the soil surrounding the home needs to be excavated, and the walls of the basement need to be sealed from the outside. This is quite a labor-intensive job and needs heavy machinery and other equipment.