DIY House Interior

Helpful Tips For Basement Waterproofing

If you or your family members are experiencing allergic symptoms inside your house, particularly in your lower level, then it is a sign of possible mold & mildew issues. Mold can pose health risks that go beyond just the normal symptoms related to allergies. They can also lead to respiratory and even neurological issues — all of which need to be eliminated if you want to ensure health and safety inside your house. Basement waterproofing is an effective way to get rid of these potential dangers.

So if you start sneezing and coughing like crazy, you better do a Sherlock Holmes and unlock the mystery by looking for clues. Such clues as strong musty odor and stains from previous water problems are indications of mold growth. Of course, if the mold is evident, you have to take measures of getting rid of them and preventing future growths. One good way of preventing their growth is through basement waterproofing.

You can hire an expert to assess your place and create a mold remediation plan. This professional will tell you if you indeed have a mold problem in your hands. In this case, mold removal or mold remediation is in order.

The first thing to do before any basement waterproofing project is to clean everything. Remove all the things you keep in your basement, especially the ones with fungal growth. Mold likes to hang out on pieces of furniture, rugs, and carton boxes. Clean these outside and dry them under the sun to kill the mold growths and bacteria.

Mold removal can be done using normal household cleaners. If possible, you can also let some sunlight in to make your job a little easier. The same goes with dehumidifiers. The important thing after removing the fungal growth is to dry the place completely.

The next step before you proceed with basement waterproofing is to locate the sources of humidity and fix them. These may be broken pipes, leaks on the basement ceiling, and cracks on the walls and floors. In some cases, foundation repair may also be needed.

Once everything is in order, you can begin basement waterproofing by painting over the walls. Make sure, though, that no molds are left behind before you apply the paint. A better alternative is to apply waterproofing agents all over the place. You will also need to waterproof the exterior of your house. This will prevent moisture from seeping through the walls and other parts of the house. Ask the experts to give you a heads up on the best waterproofing materials available. Waterproofing agents based on polymer are the standard materials used.

One more method of waterproofing the basement’s exterior is to dig around the sides and install weeping tiles along the footers. You also need to apply a waterproofing covering.

Another aspect of basement waterproofing is installing drainage inside and outside the house. These drainages will direct water that settles inside the basement out of the house while external drainages prevent water from getting inside the basement.

Though some of the work mentioned may be relatively easy to do, you might want the help of an expert for jobs like foundation repair and drainage installation. Hiring a professional might be the wiser thing to do.