21st Guru

Many homes have unfinished basements. But once you’ve finished your basement using a basement finishing contractor, you’ll want to keep it looking great by waterproofing your basement if you have a basement wet. Because of the low level of most basements, they are highly susceptible to flooding and water damage. While water leakage isn’t devastating to a simple cement basement, once you’ve laid carpet, painted and decorated, you want that basement to stay looking like it did the day your basement finishing contractor was finished with it. Here are some common problems to look out for, and ways to prevent those problems before they even begin. Get Your basement waterproofing done first.

Water in your finished basement can come from any number of sources. And, you’ll want to discern where the offending water source is before moving to basement waterproof those spaces. This will save you time and money from waterproofing areas that aren’t at risk. You can find wet spots by fixing a square of tin foil to the wall and checking it the next day. If you find moisture on it, you have a problem with water seeping in from the outside, and should take action immediately.

The water can come from many sources. Often it is a simple drainage problem that arises whenever it rains or snows outside. For example, if the grade or slope of your property runs towards the house and there other place for the water to go, chances are that excess water will somehow end up in your home. The simplest and best way to prevent this type of moisture from getting in is to use a gutter or spout to route the water away from your home.

Another common problem that will lead to moisture in your home are sweating pipes. When water condenses on your warm pipes, you may find it dripping on your new carpet. In this case, you’ll want to wrap your pipes to insulate them. Remember to regulate your home’s temperature with a thermostat, and to keep those temperatures reasonable to stave off humidity in the basement. You may also want to invest in a de-humidifier in order to take some of the moisture out of the air.

If you feel like the water is coming in through the walls, it is possible to purchase special wall waterproofing coating to stop the seepage. Remember that these solutions are for minor problems only, and will not help against severe seepage and moisture.

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