Basement Finishing – Why You Should Waterproof Your Basement First!
Basement finishing is a great way to utilize all that extra space in your basement. Many homeowners are able to add extra storage, office space, an entertainment area, or even extra bedrooms to their basement. Basement finishing is also a great way to add extra square footage to your home, which can add a lot of value if you plan to ever sell your home. Before you jump into a basement finishing project though, you may want to consider waterproofing first.
A basement finishing project can become quite costly. Building materials, fixtures, as well as furniture can add up very quickly. In many situations that involve basement flooding, homeowners insurance doesn’t always cover the damage. The best way to protect your investment is to ensure that water cannot get into your basement before you begin a finishing project. Doing so can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
What if, however, your basement has already been “waterproofed”? Some methods of waterproofing may not protect against water intrusion.
Not All Waterproofing Methods Are Created Equal
Your home may have been waterproofed around the exterior at the time that it was constructed. This method is definitely better than nothing and should protect against surface water, but it may not prevent water from coming in through the seams around the bottom of the basement wall or through a crack in the floor. Even though an exterior waterproofing system may have been installed, there is no guarantee against water intrusion. Failure can occur for many reasons. Issues such as the age of the system, the type of materials used during the time of construction versus now, and/or improper installation, can cause basement water issues.
What about “patented” waterproofing methods that involve installing a plastic channel on top of the basement floor or footer which diverts water to a nearby drain? The problem with this method is that there is no pitch to a floor or footer. Water cannot flow without proper pitch. This causes stagnant water to sit in the channel. Additionally, this method may use a sealant that prevents water from leaching out, which can and will break down over time.
Not all “systems” work as well as others
Various “paint on” sealing methods will not prevent water from coming in through a crack, a hole, or a direct opening that may arise on the outside of the home.
Waterproofing That Works
Protect your investment and ensure that you will be able to enjoy your finished basement for years to come. Choose a method of waterproofing that you won’t have to worry about. Pioneer Basement Solutions uses a common sense approach to creating a waterproof basement. Read more about various waterproofing options by clicking here.
Contact Pioneer for an evaluation before beginning your basement finishing project.