Effective Tips For Simple Basement Waterproofing

Many homeowners are thrilled to find a place they like that has a basement. The additional space can be used in a variety of ways as play rooms, bedrooms, or even media rooms. However, most homeowners who have these rooms find them to be slightly uncomfortable sue to a wet, musty feel. If this is the case, some basement waterproofing can be done quickly and easily.

Anyone who has a basement would likely agree that there is a particular smell associated with it. The must, damp, and somewhat moldy smell tends to linger in the rooms as well cling to any items within the room. If dampness is a issue, purchasing a dehumidifier can be the perfect solution. Dehumidifiers are created with certain square footage guidelines. Therefore, prior to purchasing one, a complete square footage measurement should be taken.

Armed with the size of the room, dehumidifiers literally pull the water out of the air and capture in a container found within the machine. Depending on the total square footage, it may be necessary to purchase several in order to prevent the need to empty the containers constantly. A good quality product will alleviate the feeling of dampness associated with these popular spaces.

Sometimes the problem downstairs is actual water leaks. A dehumidifier cannot assist with this issue. Instead, the homeowner will need to identify the source of the leak. Most interior leaks are fairly easy to fix with a few basic tools. Once the leak has been located, the homeowner merely needs to wrap the pipe with a special Teflon tape. Within minutes the leak is taken care of.

If the tape doe not work, it may be necessary to cut out a portion of the pipe and reinstall a new section. If the homeowner is handy, this can also be a fairly easy fix and an inexpensive one. However, if the owner does not feel comfortable with the DIY approach, calling in a professional is the next step. While it will be more expensive the peace of mind may be well worth it.

Sometimes the problem is that the exterior of the home was not waterproofed. In this situation there can be an easy fix and a more complicated one. If the walls of the room are damp, the DIY approach can payoff quickly. The owner simply needs to go and purchase a special waterproofing paint found at most local home improvement stores. Several coats of this sealant often fixes the issue.

If the problem is on the exterior, then the time and expense increases. Frequently the area of ground surrounding the entire home has to be dug out. Then a special paint is applied in several coats. After the paint dries, a rubber membrane is adhered to the basement wall. The dirt is put back in place and the problem is solved.

basement waterproofing is an important step in maintaining a home. Thus, knowing how to handle potential issues is a must. These simple tips are great way to ensure that potential problems are addressed.

Have a wet basement? Consider basement systems and crack foundation repair to restore the health of your home.