Preparing a Basement for Water Damage

If there is one saying that has stood through the test of time, it’s that a sturdy house needs a good foundation. For many, the basement is a huge element of that foundation. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most neglected parts of the home. If it becomes damaged or otherwise compromised, the house is at risk of collapsing on itself. It should come as no surprise, then, that one of the largest dangers when it comes to a basement (and one of the most common) is water damage. With that in mind, it is essential that you not only prepare your basement so it is protected from water damage but also act quickly if it occurs.

There are essentially two ways that water damage can occur in a basement. The first is condensation coming from the environment. This could be high humidity in the basement itself or from elsewhere, but the end result is the same. The second is a leak of water coming from the exterior of the house and entering the basement. It is very important to ensure you know which type of water damage you might face (or are currently facing) before you begin to take any actions to remedy it.

If your problem is coming from high humidity, the installation of dehumidifiers and exhaust fans in the basement can help alleviate the problem. Both of these are a means of removing humidity from the air. Next, it may be a good idea to install waterproofing materials to the walls and floor of the basement, such as waterproof concrete coatings, silicate-based sealers, plastic sheets, panels, or waterproof paint. Ultimately, the solution that you choose to adopt is going to depend on the materials your basement is made of and the environmental conditions it faces.

As for exterior water sources, if water is coming in from outside, the basement needs to be waterproofed from the outside rather than from the inside. Unfortunately, this can be an expensive process. You need to expose the entire depth of the basement and install a waterproof coating around it, which will form a barrier between the walls of the basement and the environment that surrounds it. During this process, adding drainage panels is a good way to ensure that water is being drawn away from the foundation and into the storm drains around your property.

Protecting your basement from water damage isn’t a complex or complicated affair; it just requires some planning. That is why it is essential to understand the way your basement is built and the type of water damage it may face before you make any changes. For the best results, seeking the expertise of a reputable basement water damage repair company is a good first step.