Keeping your basement dry is a vital part of any home renovation project. However, only some realize that waterproofing a basement can benefit homeowners beyond just keeping it dry.
Waterproofing your foundation can help you avoid various issues, including structural damage and mold growth. This is important because both of these issues can be expensive to fix.
Increased Home Value
One of the significant benefits of basement waterproofing is the increase in home value. A waterproofed basement can add more value than a water-damaged home.
The main reason is buyers view homes with mold and water damage as less desirable. On the other hand, homes with a waterproofed basement are considered safer and more livable.
This is a significant benefit to homeowners looking to sell their property. As a result, a home with a basement that has been waterproofed is much more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price.
A waterproofed basement can also protect your valuables from damage if the basement floods. This includes family photos, carpets, furniture, and other valuables.
In addition, basement waterproofing can save you money on energy costs by reducing humidity in the space. This will decrease your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning workload and allow it to run more efficiently.
Another significant benefit of basement waterproofing is that it can improve your indoor air quality. A damp basement can fill the air with dust and other contaminants that could cause allergies or other health problems.
As a result, you can breathe easier and sleep better in a clean basement that is not contaminated with harmful chemicals. This can also help you maintain a healthier and happier life.
In addition to these benefits, there are several other reasons that you should consider getting your basement waterproofed. Having your basement waterproofed will ensure the structural integrity of your house and keep it healthy for years to come.
Increased Structural Integrity
Waterproofing and basement foundation repair have many benefits, but one of the most important is that they will increase your home’s structural integrity. Structural integrity is crucial because it determines how a building looks and functions.
When a foundation is not properly waterproofed, it will become susceptible to moisture problems that could result in severe structural damage or even collapse. This is especially true for older foundations that have existed for a long time.
A weak foundation can significantly affect your home’s safety, structure, and value. This is why getting it fixed as soon as possible is so important.
Another benefit of basement waterproofing is protecting your home from devastating flooding. Floods are the number one cause of property loss, and waterproofing will make your home more resistant.
Waterproofing will also help prevent the growth of harmful mold and mildew in your basement, which can cause various health issues for you and your family. This includes severe respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis.
You can store valuables in the basement, so keeping this space as dry as possible is essential. A waterproofed basement will protect your items from damage caused by floods or rainy weather, ensuring they stay in good condition for years.
Waterproofing can also help reduce your electric and water bills. High humidity levels in your home can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder, which increases your energy expenses. Fortunately, effective basement waterproofing can help you regulate the humidity and temperature in your home to save on both of these bills.
Reduced Insurance Costs
One of the most significant benefits of basement waterproofing is that it can reduce your insurance costs. This is because a flooded basement is often a sign of more severe damage, which can increase your premiums.
Flooding is a problem because heavy rains can cause water to seep through cracks in the foundation and result in significant structural damage to wood, drywall, and other materials in the basement. Water damage accounts for about one-fifth of all insurance claims and can be easily prevented by spending a little money to waterproof your basement.
The costs involved with basement waterproofing can vary depending on the method of sealing used, how big the basement is, and whether it involves interior or exterior sealing. The project’s cost will also be affected by whether the basement is accessible to the contractor and if additional features, such as weeping tiles or drain tiles, need to be installed.
In addition to reduced insurance costs, basement waterproofing can help your home become more energy efficient. A damp basement can lead to humid indoor air, which strains your heating and cooling system.
This can cause your energy bills to rise by 10-15% if the basement isn’t properly waterproofed. Having your basement waterproofed can help to reduce these costs all year round.
It’s essential to understand the different options for repairing your foundation so that you can choose the proper repair method for your situation. Typically, foundation repairs involve drilling piers or jacking up the basement to level it out and stabilize the structure.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Basement waterproofing is an excellent way to reduce energy costs. Upgrading your home’s appliances and fixtures to energy-efficient models can help lower monthly utility bills. Still, the foundation of your house is an overlooked area where significant amounts of energy loss can occur.
Waterproofing your basement also helps reduce the workload on your heating and cooling systems. A damp basement requires your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system to work harder to remove moisture from the air, which can lead to higher energy costs during the summer.
A professional basement waterproofing solution seals the cracks in your basement wall or floor, eliminating excess moisture and reducing the workload on your heating and cooling systems. This increases energy efficiency and makes your home more comfortable, saving you money on utility bills in the long run.
In addition to lowering energy costs, basement waterproofing also improves the air quality in your home. Damp basements are breeding grounds for mold, which releases spores into the air that cause respiratory issues and allergies.
Additionally, waterproofing can prevent pest infestations in your basement. A wet basement is an ideal environment for pests to thrive and can lead to costly repairs if they get out of hand.
Another benefit of basement waterproofing is the increased value it can bring to your home. A waterproofed basement can attract potential buyers, helping you sell your home more quickly and for a higher price.
Investing in basement waterproofing is a great way to increase your home’s overall resale value and protect your investment. In many cases, basement waterproofing can even improve your home’s resale value in areas where flooding or other water damage is expected.
Reduced Indoor Air Quality
If you have been considering basement waterproofing and foundation repair, you should know that several benefits come with both projects. These include reduced indoor air quality, improved structural integrity, increased home value, and lower insurance costs.
Reduced indoor air quality is essential because it can lead to various health issues. This includes respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and allergies, which can worsen by mold and mildew spores.
Poor indoor air quality can also result in increased energy bills due to humidity levels, which translates to the need for dehumidifiers and air conditioning. In addition, the presence of mold can affect your family’s respiratory health and make it more difficult to breathe.
Inadequate ventilation is another common cause of indoor air quality problems, resulting in moisture condensation on windows or walls, smelly air, and dirty central heating and air conditioning equipment. Symptoms of poor air circulation can include coughing, sore throat, itchy eyes, nose, headaches, and fatigue.
The primary sources of indoor pollutants are combustion, building materials and furnishings, household products, and cleaning supplies. Other sources include pesticides, outdoor air pollution, and poorly maintained humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners.
Aside from causing breathing problems, poor indoor air quality can also affect your home’s value. This can be especially true if you are planning to sell your house in the future.
It is essential to understand that a house with high mold and mildew levels will appeal to something other than potential buyers. This is why it is a good idea to begin the basement waterproofing and foundation repair as soon as possible to prevent mold formation in your home.
