Basements are often damp and dark, making them perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew. These basement problems can lead to expensive basement repairs and a musty odor throughout your house. But don’t worry! We have the answers you need to keep moisture out of your basement with these basement waterproofing tips!
Mold is the most common problem in basements because it thrives on dead organic matter that collects in moist places like basements. Mold needs three things to grow: food (dead organic matter), water, and air circulation (such as from fans). If any one of those elements is missing, then it will not grow or spread. So if you eliminate one or more of those requirements, then mold won’t grow. Basement Waterproofing Pittsburgh is the right place to fix your waterproofing issues.
Basement Waterproofing Tips to Keep Your Basement Mold-Free
Bare dirt or concrete floor
The first step you need to take is getting a sump pump installed in your basement. This pump will move water from the floor and direct it away from the foundation walls. Installing a sump pump will have the most dramatic impact on basement moisture. To keep mold from forming, you also need to prevent water from seeping into your home so consider adding waterproof paint or other waterproofing techniques to your foundation wall or basement walls. Concrete walls should be sealed to prevent moisture from seeping into your basement.
If you cannot install a sump pump, then it might be time for some interior drainage tubes instead. Interior drainage tubes help redirect water away from your home and direct it toward a drain where it can be drained out of your basement. If you need another form of drainage, such as flooring, consider Basement Waterproofing Pittsburgh for your installation needs.
Cracks in the foundation wall
If you have cracks in your foundation wall, you need to caulk or repair them as soon as possible. Caulk is a great way to keep water out of the cracks in your home’s foundation so consider using it on any cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and other places where water might get into your basement. You can also use waterproof cement or other similar waterproofing materials to fill in smaller cracks. Wet basement problems can cause a musty smell throughout your house and lead to expensive basement repairs, so be sure to keep your home’s foundation in the best condition you can. Basement Waterproofing Pittsburgh has been around for a long time and is the best in the business at what they do.
Poor grading or landscaping
If you have poor grading or water pools near your house, this can lead to serious basement damage. The best way to deal with poor grading is to solve the problem that caused it, such as installing gutters. If you can’t install gutters, then consider installing drainage tiles to keep water at bay.
Wet basement
Wet basement walls problems extend beyond just the walls of your house, so be sure to keep water far away from your home. Not only will waterproofing techniques help prevent damage, but also simple projects like landscaping can make a huge difference. You should also check your gutters and make sure they drain properly. Basement Waterproofing Pittsburgh experts can help you fix any problems you may have with your foundation to stop water from seeping into your home.
Benefits of Preventing Basement Moisture
There are a few benefits to taking preventative measures to stop basement moisture. The main advantage is that it will save you a lot of money in the long run because mold and mildew can lead to more serious problems with your home, such as structural damage or health issues from poor air quality. Other benefits include:
- Prevention of basement flooding
- Stronger home
- Less musty smells throughout your house
- Fewer problems with black mold (which is dangerous to some people)
- Lower probability of expensive basement repairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does basement moisture matter?
A: The most prominent reason that basement moisture matters is because it can lead to more severe problems with your home. Water leaking into a foundation wall or cracks in the wall can cause all sorts of structural damage and even health issues from mold and mildew. Not only that, but water can lead to musty smells throughout your house.
Q: What should I do about cracks in my foundation?
A: Foundation cracks can be dealt with in a number of ways. You should caulk small cracks, while larger ones should be fixed with waterproof cement or other waterproofing techniques. If you’re not sure what to do, then consider consulting a professional such as Basement Waterproofing Pittsburgh for help.
Q: What should I look for in a basement waterproofing contractor?
A: There are a few things you should look for when hiring a basement waterproofing company. First of all, find out if they have experience working with your type of foundation situation (slab or crawl space). Be sure to inquire about the company’s track record and see pictures of previous work if they have them available. Also, make sure the contractor is insured and has a license. Finally, consider their pricing as well as the warranty they offer if it applies.
