Situated under the ground level, basements are expected to get flooded and become prone to moisture. This is why most wet basements have a damp and funky smell. If you’re planning to utilize your wet or musty basement, waterproofing is the only solution. Aside from preventing basement floods, waterproofing will keep mold and bacteria from breeding in your space.
What Is Basement Waterproofing?
This technique involves preventing water from penetrating your basement and fixing any existing leaks. It also helps eliminate water away from your foundation to avoid further structural damage. Having a moisture-proof basement makes the space more functional and increases your property value.
If your home is located in flood-prone areas, basement waterproofing is important to protect the property from water damage. Overlooking moisture problems is one of the most common basement remodeling mistakes that homeowners should avoid.
We have listed down the top reasons why you should waterproof your unfinished basement:
1- Reduce the Risk of Floods and Leaks
Flash floods can happen with little or no warning, so always become proactive. Waterproofing reduces the risk of flooding by protecting your basement from water damage. Because waterproofing prevents the likelihood that water will enter your home, you can be sure that your valuables won’t be ruined. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
2- Prevent Cracks in the Foundation
When you experience basement flooding, your foundation is at risk for problems. The moisture will get into the surfaces of your basement foundation and cause either expansion or contraction. The next thing you know, there are already cracks that could be hazardous to the structural integrity of your house. Waterproofing your basement will help minimize the chance of expensive foundation repairs.
3-Avoid Health Hazards
Moisture buildup is one of the major causes of mold growth. When there are too much mold, mildew, and allergens around your home, you are prone to various health problems. Being exposed to a musty basement is not good for your lungs. You might experience coughing, skin irritation, allergy attacks, asthma, and so much more. By waterproofing the basement, you ensure a healthy environment while maintaining a moisture-controlled space for your family.
- Increase Your Home Value
Basement waterproofing will come in handy when you’re planning to sell your home in the future. You can treat it as an investment that will yield its return. A waterproofed basement can add property value to your home and attract potential buyers. Did you know that homes with untreated water leaks lose 30 percent of their market value? Undertake a basement waterproofing project now and let the return on investment practically pay for itself.
- Reduce Energy Costs
Having a damp basement means excess dampness in the air. This is a major issue because your home will be too humid during the summer months. Humidity in the air will overwork your air conditioning system. When this happens, you can expect that your electric bill will spike and continuously rise. By waterproofing your basement, you’ll be able to save money, better insulate your home, and make your heating and cooling more efficient.
Why Drywall Is Bad for Basements
Made of paperboards and gypsum, drywall is organic and can serve as a breeding ground for mold growth. Having your basement walls finished with drywall will only cause you a lot of trouble.
As the name implies, drywall is an excellent building material when kept dry. Your unfinished basement is most likely a damp environment, which is not meant for drywall. There is always the risk of leaky plumbing and rainwater buildup in any type of basement.
Due to its materials, drywall isn’t the best option for basement walling. This can easily get stained and damaged over time. Moreover, the plant material cellulose in drywalls is a food source for mold and mildew. This is why it facilitates mold growth and potentially damages your basement when spread quickly.
Advantages of Waterproofed Basement Walls
You don’t have to consider drywall for your basement walls! There are a lot of alternatives in the market. One example is basement wall panels, which are easy to clean and won’t be damaged by moisture. Here are the other reasons why wall paneling remains the superior basement wall option over drywall.
Sleeker Design
With waterproofed wall paneling, you can have a nicely finished final look for your basement. You can also use them to create partition walls to divide up space.
Moisture-Resistant Option
Whether you experience a flood or pipe damage, your basement walls will remain intact with waterproofed wall paneling. Always choose a moisture and stain-resistant option to make sure that it captures all wall seepage and leaks. Waterproofing your basement walls is effective in creating moisture and vapor barrier.
Easy To Install
Unlike drywall, basement wall paneling is not messy and high maintenance. It is also very easy to install and clean as compared to other materials.
Find a Basement Remodeling Contractor Near You
Basement waterproofing is a huge undertaking that must be handled by the pros. Are you interested in waterproofing the basement of your Pittsburgh home? At Pittsburgh Basement Remodeling, we are here to serve you!
We have the training and experience to transform your bathroom space and ensure that your home stays dry, no matter the season. Our trusted experts specialize in basement remodeling and waterproofing. Feel free to contact us for an estimate!