Whether you are turning your basement into a play space for the kids or a basement apartment, there are several precautions that you should take. Basements are one of the most likely parts of your house to get wet. Sometimes a big storm comes through, pipes backup or break, or little cracks in your basement walls give way to moisture.
Without taking the proper preventative measures, there will always be a chance for water to enter your basement and ruin your newly furnished space.
Check for Current Water Issues
Grab a flashlight and take a walk around your entire basement. Inspect for cracks, bowed walls, and signs of mold. If you find any of these signs, there is a good chance water already is in your basement. If you don’t see any signs of water in your basement, you should still invest in preventative waterproofing, just in case.
Preventative Basement Waterproofing
By taking preventative waterproofing seriously, you can save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run. When people furnish their basement, and they don’t see any signs of water, they often think that they can skip preventative waterproofing. However, many basements still can encounter water. The soil around foundations can shift, basement walls crack, big storms unexpectedly hit, and pipes get backed up or break. More often then not, there isn’t enough time to move belongings out of the water to waterproof before water ends up in the basement.
One of the best preventative waterproofing methods that you can invest in is sealings. Sealings are painted onto the walls to “seal” any tiny cracks and prevent moisture from entering through the walls. Note: If you are going to seal your basement walls yourself and have previously painted the walls, you cannot use many kinds of sealing paint. Please read all product labels thoroughly before making a purchase.
If you know there is a good chance that water could enter your basement, you may want to invest in a more effective method of preventative waterproofing. Local waterproofing experts can come and assess your risk and determine if installing a sump pump, or French drain would effectively protect your basement.
Waterproofing for Basements With a Water Problem
If you found cracks in the walls, bowing walls, or signs of mold during your inspection, you may need to do a little bit more than just adding a layer of sealant to the walls. Cracking and bowing can sometimes be caused by the soil on the outside of the foundation, adding pressure to the walls. Professional waterproofers can come to your home and diagnose the problem. One of the most common ways of fixing bowing walls is to install an anchor system that reinforces the wall and prevents future damage.
Basements that get a lot of water may need to have an internal or external French drain system installed or the foundation repaired. By repairing the water problem before moving forward with furnishing your basement, you are protecting your whole basement.
Don’t Let Water Stop You From Furnishing your Basement
Don’t work to furnish your basement to have water ruin your belongings and hard work. Water can strike at any time, whether you think it will or not. By waterproofing before completing your basement furnishing, you are taking out an insurance policy.
Contact Ark Basement Services, your local Erie or Pittsburgh, PA basement waterproofers for a FREE quote today.
Mike Perry is the esteemed owner of ARK Basement Services, a premier company specializing in basement waterproofing and foundation repair services. Under Mike’s leadership, ARK Basement Services has established itself as a trusted leader in the industry, known for delivering high-quality, reliable solutions to homeowners facing basement and foundation issues. Mike’s commitment to excellence, combined with his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, has been instrumental in building a company that is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction and the longevity of their homes. His hands-on approach and dedication to utilizing the latest technologies and methods have set ARK Basement Services apart, making them a go-to provider for those in need of expert basement and foundation services. For more details on Mike Perry’s work and ARK Basement Services, visit their website at https://www.arkbasementservices.com/.