Turning Your Dark And Dismal Basement Into Usable Space
Finishing a basement can seem to be a daunting task for many homeowners. Turning a dark and dismal area into a space that you and your family can comfortably enjoy takes a lot of time, money, and resources. Some choose to turn it into a place where guests can stay, and others opt for a second living room or game room, as well as a home gym or some other recreational area.
Regardless of what you choose to do with your basement, transforming it into a usable living space is a massive undertaking. One of the most important things to keep in mind before this project begins is making sure that your basement is fully waterproofed and safe from the elements. Of course, waterproofing your basement can be done after your home is built, but it is much simpler and even cheaper to protect your home against moisture and water damage while construction is still in progress.
Before the waterproofing process begins, there might be underlying repairs that need to be made. There could be leaks in your walls, or cracks in your foundation, all of which must be fixed before you begin to waterproof your basement. In this instance, it is best to contact the professionals. Our team at Ohio Basement Authority is experienced in inspecting your basement for any signs of damage and installing tailored solutions to make sure your basement stays dry for years to come.
So, before you move on to installing the drywall, laying tiles, and painting the walls, here are some things our basement waterproofing experts could do to keep your basement safe from any water damage.
Installing an Interior Drainage System
There is a massive difference that comes into play when choosing to install an interior drainage system. Without one, you could be one rainstorm away from water damage in your basement. During the storm, any excess groundwater could infiltrate your drywall and insulation which would have to be removed completely. This could be avoided completely by making sure your home is prepared with an interior drainage system such as our BasementGutter™. This system takes the water that seeped through your basement walls and directs it away through a drain or a discharge line that is positioned far away from your home.
Installing a Sump Pump
After a heavy rainstorm or other natural events, you walk down to your basement to find pooling water and flooding, causing severe damage every second. The increase in water and humidity levels can lead to your wooden floor joists rotting, mold and mildew growth, and other structural defects down the road. Using the old-school method of a bucket and a mop can take hours and still not eradicate the water. This is where a sump pump solution comes into play. This system can easily fix the problem by directing the water in your basement down a discharge line that is pumped away from your home. Even in the event of power loss, a battery backup will ensure it stays working.
Sealing the Basement Walls
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make during construction is not having their basement walls sealed. Although those walls are made from concrete, which is an extremely strong and durable building material, it is also very porous. This makes it easy for water to seep through, especially if your home is experiencing the effects of hydrostatic pressure. This can increase the humidity levels within your home, therefore enhancing the impact of the stack effect. Our experts would be happy to install a vapor barrier in your home that will keep the moisture out, allowing you to have a healthy environment once again.
The Benefits of a Dehumidifier
Another solution to ensuring your basement stays dry and free of moisture is to have a dehumidifier. This device protects your basement from mold and mildew, as well as prevents rot. Even if your home has been equipped with other waterproofing systems, a dehumidifier is the added cherry on top! The soil that surrounds your home and basement walls easily traps moisture which in turn can seep through your walls. Check with a member of our team to see which dehumidifiers we recommend for your home.
Regrading the Yard
Another important step during the construction and or waterproofing process is to make sure your yard has a positive yard grade. This means that whenever a storm occurs, the water will flow away from your home and foundation as opposed to flowing towards it. If you notice water pooling around your home after it rains, this means you have negative grading. This can result in a multitude of issues down the line with your home’s structure and the concrete fixtures around it. Make sure to check with your local landscapers to see if your home’s yard has a positive grade before beginning with any waterproofing solutions.
Call The Experts At Ohio Basement Authority For Your Basement Waterproofing Needs
Transforming your basement into a space that you and your family can use is a great idea, that can add thousands to your home’s value. To ensure that your home’s basement is waterproofed properly and safe for years to come, contact the team at Ohio Basement Authority. We’ll make sure to walk you through the steps and solutions that are right for your home!
