Water leaks in the basement are a red flag that cracks are allowing water to seep in. If you notice water in your basement, you may need to contact a professional waterproofing company that can dry the affected areas and prevent water damage. Most basement water issues begin with a crack in your basement wall or come from water leaking through the cove joint, where the wall meets the floor. Usually, the most effective way to solve these problems is by installing an interior basement waterproofing system.
Do I Need Interior Basement Waterproofing?
When it comes to repairing water damage in the basement, timing is key. Water damage in the basement can often go unnoticed for extended amounts of time. Two major secondary problems result from prolonged water damage in the basement: mold growth and structural damage. An interior basement waterproofing system can help prevent these issues, especially in the following scenarios:
- Exterior waterproofing is not an option due to confined space or lack of access.
- The problem is not caused by a foundation leak but by hydrostatic pressure. This happens when groundwater seeps in through the floor or cove joint.
Sealing any cracks or gaps in the basement is the first step in preventing future water damage from leaks or flooding. Drain tile systems can effectively redirect any water that seeps in away from your foundation. The most effective solution is to install a sump pump inside your basement to pump out any water that makes it inside.
Contact American Eagle technicians to investigate and create a comprehensive interior basement waterproofing plan.
Is Interior Basement Waterproofing Worth It?
When your basement becomes damp and moist, you need to waterproof it to prevent water damage and mold growth, control foul smells, and improve air quality. Waterproofing can help with hydrostatic pressure, protecting your foundation walls from damage.
Basement waterproofing is the best way to reduce the risk of water damage in your basement. You should take the necessary basement waterproofing steps to safeguard your home from these risks and protect it long-term. Interior waterproofing provides the following benefits:
Prevents Mold Growth
Mold can begin growing 24-48 hours after water damage has occurred. Mold requires a food source, moisture, and time to grow. Our homes are full of food sources for mold, like wood or drywall, and all it takes is a little water leak to provide the moisture necessary for mold to begin growing. Mold reproduces through microscopic spores that spread rapidly through the air, affecting surfaces and materials throughout your entire home.
The best way to prevent mold growth after water damage is to address the damage quickly. Mold in your home poses many health risks, especially to seniors, chronically ill people, those with compromised immune systems, and infants. Mold spores travel through the air, so when they are inhaled, they can cause respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, headaches, rashes, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and fatigue.
Since mold has such serious health side effects, it should not be ignored. Water damage repair needs to happen as quickly as possible to prevent mold damage, and basement waterproofing is the best way to ensure water damage doesn’t even occur in the first place. You can also include basement dehumidification to keep your basement dry.
Prevents Structural Damage
Wood, sheetrock, insulation, carpet, drywall, cement, and padding are all porous materials. When porous materials are exposed to water, they begin to absorb moisture. Absorption leads to expansion, warping, weakening, rotting, and deterioration. If the materials that make up your home’s structural components are weakened by water, your home’s structural integrity is at risk. A reliable waterproofing system can prevent structural damage, protecting you from costly repairs.
Promotes Healthy Air Quality
Moisture in your basement leads to dangerous levels of humidity and mold growth. These problems are not only bad for your indoor air quality but also cause several health problems, such as asthma, allergies, headaches, and skin irritation. Comprehensive basement waterproofing is the ideal way to solve mold and humidity problems and prevent them from occurring again. A dehumidification system in your basement is a key component in maintaining optimum humidity levels and keeping your basement and the rest of your home safe and dry.
What Happens If I Don’t Waterproof My Basement?
Not investing in basement waterproofing poses several risks to your home’s structure, your health, your belongings, and your indoor air quality.
Weakened Foundation
If your basement is not properly waterproofed, water can get into it in several ways. Hydrostatic pressure often causes cracks in the foundation that allow water to leak inside. As cracks expand, the foundation itself becomes weakened.
Damaged Belongings
Furniture, carpet, drywall, textiles, and paper goods all suffer immensely when exposed to water. Anything you store in your basement is at risk of water damage if the basement floods.
Structural Problems
Excess moisture in your basement can lead to significant structural issues. Dampness or flooding can cause cracks, bowing walls, uneven floors, and rotting floor joists.
Mold Growth
A damp basement can be a starting point for mold to spread throughout your home. Keeping your basement dry and healthy is one of the best ways to protect the rest of the building from mold growth.
Safety Hazard
Along with respiratory problems from mold exposure, flooded basements also pose the risk of electrical shock. Standing water in basements is especially dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. If your basement has flooded, do not take any risks; shut off all power to the area until the floodwater can be properly removed.
Are Basement Leaks Covered By Insurance?
The first step to knowing whether your basement leaks are covered by insurance is diagnosing the source of the leak. Basement floods from an internal source, such as plumbing, a washing machine, or a refrigerator, may be covered by home insurance. If the damage occurred over time or was due to neglect, it will likely not be covered. Contact your insurance provider to discover exactly what coverage you are eligible for.
Complete Interior Basement Waterproofing
A wet basement is a serious threat to your health and your home’s structure. Whether you have had a major flood or noticed dampness in your basement, it’s important to protect your basement. American Eagle Prof. Services, Inc. not only provides water damage restoration but also offers quality basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and mold control. We will identify the source of the water and then install a waterproofing system to control it. Contact us to schedule a free inspection and get expert solutions to control moisture in your basement.
