The Benefits of Exterior Basement Waterproofing
Waterproofing a basement costs between $500 to $15,000. While this is certainly not cheap, it’s nothing compared to the average cost of renovating a basement after it’s been damaged, which can cost anywhere between $50,000 and $75,000.
Whenever water seeps into your interior spaces through your home’s foundation, a significant amount of damage occurs. Over time, this damage can adversely affect the structural integrity of your home and, ultimately, its value.
It’s the reason homeowners need to take preventing action against flooding in their basement. Investing in exterior basement waterproofing is one to prevent water from leaking into your home’s interior.
But what exactly is water basement proofing? How exactly does exterior basement waterproofing help your house? How do you choose a basement waterproofing service you can trust?
These are some of the issues we discuss in this post. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Exterior Basement Waterproofing?
Exterior basement waterproofing refers to the different techniques used to prevent water from penetrating a building’s basement. The waterproofing contractor uses appropriate materials and methods to direct water away from the building.
When waterproofing a basement that’s below ground level, contractors may need to apply sealant materials, install drains and sump pumps, and so on.
Why Invest in Exterior Basement Waterproofing?
Investing in exterior basement waterproofing has numerous benefits. In this section, we highlight six of them.
It Protects Your Home From Mold, Mildew, and Damp
A damp, mildewy home usually has poor indoor air quality, which can make your living space uncomfortable. Damp conditions also create the perfect environment for the growth of mold.
As you probably already know, exposure to mold can cause severe health conditions to both people and pets. Some of the health problems that result from mold include nasal stuffiness, coughing and wheezing, and skin irritation.
One way to prevent these problems is by sealing the exterior of your basement. This prevents water from seeping into your house through that particular section of your home.
Waterproofing Your Basement Restores Its Usability
Many homeowners use their basements for various purposes. These spaces can serve as storage areas, garages, study rooms, and so on.
When your basement gets wet, its usability immediately gets diminished as the environment is now unhealthy. Exterior basement waterproofing helps stop this problem and restores your basement to its former glory.
Waterproofing Protects the Structural Integrity of the Home
Your home’s foundation, columns, and wall are meant to support its structure. Without basement waterproofing, your home is prone to foundation damage, which is one of the costliest repairs a homeowner can incur. Once your home’s foundation is compromised, you’ll start to see cracks and structural failures in walls and other parts of your home.
A home that’s not structurally sound is a huge risk to the safety of your family. Investing in exterior basement waterproofing as early as possible provides a permanent solution to foundation problems that result from water damage.
Waterproofing Boosts the Value of Your Home
When making a decision whether or not to purchase a home, homeowners usually request a thorough basement inspection to unearth any potential issues. Basements in poor condition due to water damage can make it difficult for your home to get any offers.
One way to instantly boost your home’s value and preserve it for years is to invest in exterior basement waterproofing. It’s one of the home upgrades with the highest return on investment.
Waterproofing Reduces Your Insurance Claims
A significant portion of home insurance claims is related to water damage. In 2017 alone, insurance payouts for water damage accounted for $13 billion, with the average claim costing about $10,000.
Basement flooding can result in structural and foundation damage to drywall, wood, and other materials. Waterproofing your basement prevents water penetration into your basement and averts the resulting damage to your foundation and other parts of your home. You thus avoid spending extra on water damage insurance.
You Get to Save Money
As we pointed out earlier, waterproofing offers protection against water damage, which can be expensive to fix. It also keeps your house insurance claims low. Besides, your home’s value remains intact through the years, so you get a decent amount for it when you finally decide to sell it.
Choosing a Basement Waterproofing Contractor
Exterior waterproof basement proofing is a big investment. You want to make sure that you get everything right from the outset. Choosing the right contractor for the job is essential.
Here are a few tips for identifying a contractor you can trust.
Check Credentials
The first thing to check about a prospective contractor is whether they are appropriately licensed and bonded to operate in your state. Check whether they’re insured too. Most top basement waterproofing contractors will have no problem giving you this information during your initial meeting.
Ask for Referrals and Read Reviews
A contractor’s reputation is of the essence. You want to know you are working with somebody you can count on to do what they promise. Ask them for a list of previous clients they have worked with. Call two or three of the names provided to find out their experience with the contractor.
Read online reviews about the contractor too. If previous customers say good things about the contractor, chances are you’ll love their work too.
Inquire About Pricing
While you want the best basement waterproofing services, you don’t have to pay through your nose to get it done. Top contractors charge reasonable rates for their services.
Further, they assess your basement’s condition and recommend only what needs to be done. This way, you don’t end up paying for a mountain when all you really need is a molehill.
Waterproofing Your Basement Is Worth the Investment
A damp or wet basement is bad news. Such basements are vulnerable to water damage, whose repair can set you back thousands of dollars. Investing in exterior basement waterproofing is your best defense against these troubles.
Are you interested in top-quality waterproofing services in your area? Please contact us today.
