As any homeowner can tell you, having water seeping into your basement is nothing to jest about and can be a serious problem. As the weather turns and more rain and storms come through the Cleveland area, there is a greater chance that water build-up from these storms may be leaking into your basement if you have a problem and could lead to serious damage or mold. It is time you seriously consider how waterproofing your basement will benefit you in the long run, and there is no better time than now to get started.
The First Step: Where is it Coming From
When you hire a professional to assist you with waterproofing your home, the first thing they are going to need to do is to locate the source of the leak, according to Angie’s List. This could simply be a problem of you having your downspouts and drainage systems improperly positioned towards rather than away from your house, and that could be pushing excess water towards the home. There are also considerations regarding the type of soil that is lining the foundation of your home, and that will be something else you will want to have checked.
Essentially, you want to be certain that all efforts are being made to keep water away from your foundation. Your roof, drainage systems, downspouts, and soil should all be working to push water away from the foundation rather than allowing it to come towards it. Checking for these sorts of problems could save you a ton of money in the long run suggests Angie’s List.
More Than Water: Waterproofing Fights off Mold and Mildew
Waterproofing is, of course, most important for keeping water out of your home, but it also helps to prevent the negative impacts that water can have once it is in your basement. HGTV explains that waterproofing can protect from flooding and the development of mold, mildew, and a build-up of allergens. But what happens if the water is getting in and your basement is already experiencing some flooding? Do not worry; HGTV has some suggestions to get your basement back in order and ready for waterproofing:
– Get air flowing through the space when the weather is again dry.
– While working in the space, wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling any allergens, mildew, or mold.
– If you have carpets in your basement and they have been completely saturated with water, it is safer to remove and dispose of them completely. For non-fabric floors simply mop and towel dry the floors.
– After the floors are dry, sanitize them with bleach or another strong cleaner.
– Set up fans or a dehumidifier to ensure the space is totally dry.
Ready to Waterproof
Dealing with a leak in your basement or a major flood is not easy, but knowing what steps to take and that basement waterproofing can solve your problems and protect your family’s health is a big relief.
