While basements can be great places to store your belongings and work on projects, they’re also dark, damp spaces that are known for causing all sorts of problems. In fact, when left unattended, basements can lead to mold growth and structural damage–and these things can cost you a lot of money in the long run. But there’s good news: You can waterproof your basement to keep these problems from occurring. Here are 8 reasons why you should consider doing so.
1. Waterproofing your basement prevents mold growth
One of the most common problems associated with damp basements is mold growth. A reputable basement waterproofing company in Baltimore says that mold thrives in moist, humid environments–and unfortunately, your basement can be a breeding ground for these unsightly invaders. But when you waterproof your basement, it prevents this moisture from forming and grows where it’s fed by water or condensation. And that means there’s little chance mold will grow on anything you store down there. You can find a waterproofing company that can help you get started in no time. Also, be sure to read some blog posts on how mold can affect the value of your home.
2. Waterproofing prevents structural damage
Over time, a damp basement can lead to structural damage. The moisture that builds up in there can cause your foundation walls and floors to crack or bow–and if you don’t do something about it soon enough, this damage could become irreversible and result in expensive repairs. But if you waterproof your basement, these issues are less likely to occur because water will no longer be able to penetrate the area where you store your belongings. It’s also good to check out our post on what you need to know about waterproofing your basement.
3. Waterproofing helps keep humidity levels down
A damp basement is also known for being an extremely humid space. And while high humidity isn’t always bad (for example, you may actually want it in certain circumstances), too much of it can mean that mildew spores will start forming on everything you store down there. Not only that, but high humidity can also put your health at risk in the long run. That’s why it’s so important to keep the humidity levels in your basement low–and one way to do this is by waterproofing it. When you waterproof your basement, it helps keep the humidity levels from getting too high, so you can rest easy knowing that mold spores won’t infest your things.
4. Waterproofing will save you money in the long run
While basement waterproofing may cost you some money upfront, it’s a good investment in the long run. After all, if you waterproof your basement now and some of the problems we mentioned above arise–such as mold growth or structural damage–you could end up spending even more money than what you initially spent. So when it comes to waterproofing your basement, it’s always best to do so sooner rather than later–and then save yourself time and money in the process.
5. Waterproofing allows natural light into your basement
It can be dark in basements–and while this might not be a problem for some people, others may prefer that their basements are well-lit areas where they can do things like work on projects or watch a movie with their family. The good news is that if you waterproof your basement, it will allow natural light to filter into the area so that you can enjoy a brighter space. You could even install some windows in there–something that’s well worth considering if you want to make your basement feel more like an additional room of your house.
6. Waterproofing can boost your home’s value
Along with making the most of the storage space in your house and keeping humidity levels down, another reason why waterproofing is worth doing is that it can increase the value of your home for future resale purposes. And this makes sense when you consider how desirable homes with basements are–so if having one significantly boosts your appeal of yours and you waterproof it, it could help make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Additionally, waterproofing is considered a key selling point for many people–so if you’re planning on putting your house up for sale in the future, you can expect it to be an attractive feature.
7. Waterproofing makes cleaning easier
One of the best things about waterproofing your basement is that it makes cleaning easier. Since any spills can be quickly cleaned up and there’s no moisture building up in your basement, you won’t have to spend as much time wiping dirt and dust off of things–which is obviously a win for anyone who doesn’t really enjoy cleaning. Plus, if there are any spills on the floor or walls that get stuck, it will also be easier to clean them without worrying about mildew forming and making the problem worse. Additionally, waterproofing will also help protect your belongings against water damage, so you won’t have to spend as much time carefully cleaning and taking care of your things.
8. Waterproofing helps prevent pests from moving in
To attract unwanted guests into your home, all you need to do is provide some water–and one area that tends to be problematic when it comes to this is basements. That’s because infestations can occur in these areas due to moisture issues, so you’ll want to waterproof your basement to prevent this from happening. Doing so will also help you keep away other pests, such as termites and carpenter ants, that like to feed on wood surfaces–and by keeping them out of the basement, to begin with, you’ll be one step closer to a pest-free home. It’s also worth noting that if you currently have a pest problem, waterproofing your basement can help eliminate it quickly.
While there are many reasons why waterproofing your basement is worth doing, the most important ones are perhaps those related to maintaining your health and saving money in the long run. So if you’re looking for a great way to protect yourself from mildew spores and lower humidity levels in your house, it may be time to start thinking about waterproofing your basement!
