What are some of the first warning signs that you may have a leaky basement or one that will get there? Cracks or chips on the concrete walls, or the seam where the floor meets the wall are very good indicators of water problems in your basement. Mold or wet spots on the walls, wet spots on the corners where the walls meet or where they meet the floor are sure signs water is getting in your basement and creating havoc with the foundation of your home. Health issues are surely to follow when you are dealing with water in your basement due to mold and contaminated air.
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Is your basement sick? Is it making your family sick? You probably haven’t given your basement much thought when you cough and sneeze; however, a wet basement can actually cause more respiratory and health problems then you think.
Indoor air quality is directly related to the humidity levels in the home and the environment in the basement or crawlspace. If this environment is wet, moldy, or full of pests, insects, and rodents (and all that comes with those pests), then the air in the basement is most likely filled with biocontaminants, toxins, pollutants, and allergens that can cause health problems in the air upstairs. The air in a home naturally circulates and the air downstairs in pulled up to the upper levels of the house through what is known as stack effect. Ventilating systems and air cleaners only address the symptoms of the problem when the real cause is in the basement environment itself. If you have a healthy basement environment then you will essentially have no need for air cleaners and forced ventilation systems.
Keeping a healthy basement is mostly about water control. Creating a dry basement environment will eliminate the problems. Through basement waterproofing you eliminate the water in the basement, which naturally prevents mold and pests that need water to grow and flourish.
Basement Waterproofing Warning Signs
Not sure if a basement waterproofing system is in your future? Eventually it probably will be. To help educate homeowners on what signs for which to look to know if one may need one soon, we put together the following infographic to illustrate some of the warning signs.
Enjoy!
The Differences Between Damp-Proofing Vs. Waterproofing Your Basement
When you hear the terms “damp-proofing” and “waterproofing” regarding your home’s basement and foundation, is there a difference? What do these terms mean?
There are differences – and the differences are significant if you want to keep water out of your basement.
Foundation damp-proofing is generally done during the construction phase to meet minimal building code standards. Damp-proofing makes use of a moisture-resistant material consisting of hot liquid asphalt and rubber coating with an insulating panel. The problem is that although damp-proofing is moisture resistant, it is not complete protection from water. Damp-proofing is only applied internally and water can still pass through the foundation externally.
Foundation waterproofing, on the other hand, will stop water seepage caused by hydrostatic pressure – which is the rising and falling of ground water under the concrete, making water penetrate the basement slab. Foundation waterproofing systems are applied externally so that water is prevented from penetrating through the foundation.
