Basement might not be the most important part of the house/building structure but it is for sure one of the essential things to be highly considered while construction. This is because the basement is the base and holds equal value like that of the smooth and reliable structure to not get damaged in uncertain conditions.
Also, the basement is supposed to hold the structure including the ceiling and walls due to which it becomes immensely important for the constructors to focus more on making a reliable and durable base of the house than anything else that comes afterward.
The facts that the basement is not given that kind of the important because it is usually covered with different types of the flooring that make people become ignorant towards it. This is where the need of waterproofing the basement comes in houses and buildings where are increased chances of water damage caused by leakage and poor underground water system.
For this purpose, the waterproof basement has been mentioned as one of the most essential points to be considered while construction because otherwise, either the house structure will get damaged after few years or it will gradually turn the house into an unfavorable condition that is not good for its resale or current property value.
Reasons for Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is mainly done to avoid water damage caused in different circumstances, which include:
Rain:
Rain is a natural weather condition due to which the house structure gets badly affected, especially in areas where rain happens in a regular routine. This is why people who live in parts of the world where it rains a lot are suggested to go for basement proofing due to the fact that the rainwater directly goes into the walls and ceilings, after which seepage occurs that causes great damage to the house structure.
Flood:
Overflowing of the water i.e. flood in natural or man-made circumstances is also a dangerous sign for the house’s base. This is because of the reason that the flooded water finds its way to the small holes and spaces in the house. This allows the water to cause damage to the ceilings and walls which ultimately destroys the structure and base of the house.
Plumbing leaks:
Although plumbing leaks are occasional and that of a big deal, it causes a great damage to the house and its unsecured basement. This is why it is important to keep a strict check and balance on the house’s plumbing leaks or make sure to make the basement waterproof so that there are no chances of the house’s slow destruction. Moreover, make sure to fix all the leaks with high-quality equipment to reduce the chances of water damage in the house.
Excess humidity:
Places where there is excess humidity in the weather also have increased chances of the water damage which eventually results in the unsafe base of the house. The humidity causes moisture in the weather because of which the concrete or wood etc. absorb it and then it transforms into seepage in the walls an ceilings, causing cracks for the water to enter the house.
Burst pipes:
Water pipes bursting are an accidental situation; however, it is very common in the cold areas. Because of this, the house’s basement gets affected by the strong flow of the water after which it cracks the floor, walls, and ceilings. Burst pipes can be avoided by keeping a strict check on its maintenance, however, it is important to take precautionary measures first by applying the basement waterproofing in the house.
Benefits of Basement Waterproofing
Health and hygiene:
Health and hygiene should be the topmost priority and concern for the house residents who have a house without the waterproof basement. This is because when the house structure is not safe from the natural or unnatural moisture and other water damaging conditions such as rain or flood, it allows bacteria, mold, and mildew to make its place in the small corner of the house. This way, the house residents might become allergic and also their health might start to slowly deteriorate. However, if there is basement waterproofing in the house, then chances for the health damage become almost zero.
Improved insulation:
Insulation is also one of the biggest factors that benefit the house due to the basement waterproofing. When there is moisture in the house’s basement, walls, and ceilings, then cracks start to appear which gradually increase and the seepage caused by it gets out of control to be repaired. This is why the cooling and heating system in the house requires more energy, as a result of which the energy efficiency is decreased. However, if the house is waterproof from the basement then it helps in an improved insulation.
Secured house structure:
The house structure is based on the base and when the base is not strong then it affects the structure as well. When you make house basement waterproofed, it means that you are actually strengthening the structure of the house. This also results in a reliable living in the long run because a lot of the houses get damaged each year due to the water damage caused inside its base.
Strengthened foundation:
When the foundation of the house is strong then it is equal to a structure that will last for the maximum time of its lifespan. Everything is dependent on its base and so is your house, so make sure to strengthen its foundation for the house to survive longer without causing any big destruction.
Increased resale:
A house with a waterproof basement also witnesses an increase in its resale amount. This is mainly due to the fact that a house with a strong foundation and structure with all the precautionary measures for the natural disasters which cause water damage have increased chances of surviving longer than promised that ultimately results in its expanded resale value.
Hiring Basement waterproofing contractors has started becoming a common practice in areas where are increased risks of water damage due to the natural/unnatural circumstances. It has benefited a lot of the house owners for all the right reasons and should be made necessary for the ultimate protection of the house and its residents.