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How To Choose The Right Basement Waterproofing Techniques To Combat Basement Moisture

Moisture in the basement creates suitable conditions for mold and mildew to grow on the surfaces. Over time, moisture can cause structural damage to the foundation, walls, and floors of the basement, weakening the structure. It's crucial to combat moisture before it causes costly damage to your home. When tackling basement moisture, you can opt for exterior or interior waterproofing methods. Below are three tips to help you choose the best waterproofing techniques for your basement.

Determine the Sources of Moisture

Basement moisture can come from several sources, such as leaks in the foundation, hydrostatic pressure, flooding, poor ventilation, and high humidity. If your basement gets wet due to flooding or hydrostatic pressure, you should tackle the problem from the exterior. Exterior waterproofing includes techniques that aim to prevent moisture from entering the basement. It involves excavating around the perimeter of the foundation and installing drainage systems and waterproofing solutions to protect the exterior walls from moisture infiltration.

If your moisture issues are caused by high humidity, poor ventilation, or interior slab leaks, you should tackle the moisture from the interior. Interior waterproofing techniques use sealants, dehumidifiers, waterproof paint, and vapor barriers to prevent moisture from seeping through the walls and floors. You can install a sump pump to collect and remove water that has already entered the basement. You can also combine interior and exterior waterproofing methods to increase protection against moisture damage.

Assess Climatic and Environmental Factors

Climatic and environmental factors determine the most effective waterproofing techniques for your basement. For example, if your area is prone to flooding, you should install exterior drainage systems to redirect water away from the basement and foundation. If your area experiences high humidity, external waterproofing alone won't work. You need to tackle indoor humidity to prevent mold growth in the basement, especially if there isn't adequate ventilation in the space. Use dehumidifiers and ventilation systems to remove excess moisture in the air and combat mold growth.

Consider the Basement's Intended Use

Do you intend to finish your basement and convert it into a livable space? If so, you must create suitable living conditions in the space. Besides combating moisture from the outside, you must regulate humidity in the basement using mechanical ventilation and dehumidifiers. This will improve the usability of the space and protect your furniture and furnishings from moisture damage. However, if you don't intend to finish the basement, you can opt for basic waterproofing techniques, such as installing a vapor barrier and a sump pump to keep the floor dry.

Choose the best waterproofing techniques to increase your basement's functionality and avert structural damage to your home. A contractor can assess your basement's moisture issues and recommend the best waterproofing methods.

For more information about basement waterproofing, contact a local business.