What Does Your Waterproofing Checklist look like?

Sump Pump Waterproofing Solution

Basement Waterproofing Checklist

Basements are the lowest level of the home, and many basement are prone to flooding because of this. A basement may appear to be simply an extra storage area with unfinished space, or you may have even gone through the effort to finish the space out to turn it into usable square footage. More importantly, the basement provides the support or foundation for the rest of the home, and it is important that this area remain in great condition. Water is among the most damaging elements that can impact a basement, and it is necessary to follow a few basement waterproofing steps to minimize the risk of flood or water exposure in this area of the home. If you are preparing your basement waterproofing checklist, consider these points.

Basement Leak

Inspect and Maintain Your Plumbing System
While flooding from a heavy rainstorm is one cause of water damage in a basement, it is not the only cause. Plumbing issues from blocked drainage lines, leaky pipes and faucets and other issues can cause water penetration in the basement. Therefore, it is wise to have a plumbing professional inspect your home's pipes and drainage system for current issues as well as weaknesses that may turn into issues. While there are other basement waterproofing steps that you should take, such as using wall treatments, to keep your home sealed off from moisture penetration and flooding, preventing the internal features, such as pipes, from leaking is a first step.

Waterproof Your Basement Walls
Basement walls are unfortunately prone to developing leaks, but water treatments are available to eliminate this risk. Moisture may seep into the walls due to wet ground soil, and this can erode away the strength of support beams in the walls, cause mold growth and have other negative effects. During times with a lot of rainfall, snow melt or other wet conditions, the basement can easily flood if the walls are not sealed. The best way to waterproof the basement walls is to contract the service of a waterproofing contractor for wall treatments. This is a specially trained professional who has significant knowledge and special training in the techniques required to properly waterproof a basement with wall treatments, and using the services of a professional will ensure that the work is completed using the proper techniques.

Install a Sump Pump
With a sump pump, a French drainage system or another type of system, you can minimize the risk of water damage inside the home. These systems are designed to remove water from the basement in the event a flood does occur. With your other efforts, such as waterproofing the walls with wall treatments and reviewing the condition of the pipes, you can minimize the likelihood of a flood. However, a sump pump or a French drainage system is a backup feature that will remove water if it reaches a certain level in the home, typically just a few inches or less. This can minimize the risk of property damage.

If you are preparing to waterproof your basement and you are not certain which steps to start with, preparing a checklist that includes these steps is a great idea. You can work through these basement waterproofing steps today, and you can make a regular effort to re-check these feature annually for the best results.