Why Waterproofing Your Concrete Basement Should Be Mandatory

There are various reasons why you may not consider basement waterproofing a necessary maintenance measure. Firstly, a good number of homeowners tend to treat this space as their residence's main catchall, which translates into all forms of clutter piling up in this room since they are long forgotten. Secondly, since the basement is made from concrete, you probably assume that it would be safe from water ingress as opposed to structures that are built from timber. In truth, concrete is vulnerable to water damage and, if it left unencumbered, it could mean havoc for your entire house. Thirdly, having your belongings stored in the basement would also put them at risk of damage, leading to significant property loss. The following are just a few reasons why waterproofing your concrete basement should be mandatory.

Basement waterproofing provides you with protection against flood damage

Your basement may have been waterproofed during the initial stages of construction, but this does not mean it is infinitely safe from water damage. Regardless of the waterproofing membrane installed, it will eventually begin to degrade over time. As the membrane becomes compromised, moisture steadily seeps through any fissures and cracks that may have formed due to the natural shifting of your structure.

As a result, you will find that your basement will begin to breed mould, which subsequently makes your home a safety hazard—not to mention that structural damage would be occurring due to efflorescence, concrete cancer and more. If you would like to ensure that your basement's integrity is retained, scheduled waterproofing is imperative.

Basement waterproofing ensures a structurally sound foundation

Another reason why it is critical to take measures to ensure that your basement is adequately waterproofed is to protect your foundation from the risk of becoming compromised. Take note that the basement does support most of the weight of your structure. Therefore, it is crucial to confirm that this structure is sturdy, or there will be an uneven distribution of your building's weight. When water begins to affect the integrity of the basement, it will also impact the foundation of the home.

This moisture coupled with the vertical pressure of the structure can cause severe damage to the foundation, which could mean having to underpin your home or replace your foundation altogether. It is in your best interests to have your waterproofing membranes inspected routinely to prevent unnecessary damage to the entire structure of your residence.

Contact waterproofing contractors for additional advice.


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