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A home with a sturdy foundation has many advantages. Still, one is that mechanical equipment like the oil tank, water heater, boiler, and furnace may be installed in an inconvenient location. The dryer and washer would look great there, too. As an aside, some basements make it easier to access pipes and wires that run above. Plus, there’s a ton of valuable storage space in basements.
The key to making the most of your basement, though, is keeping it dry at all times. Due to their subterranean location, some houses are frequently damp, moist, and humidโideal conditions for mold and mildew growth and wood deterioration. The bright side is that you can waterproof it and transform it into a more usable and secure space.
Why Is Waterproofing Your Home Crucial?
Water, according to feng shui and fortune tellers, brings in wealth and success, particularly when placed near the front door. However, the inverse may be true if water penetrates your home’s framework. Concrete and wood are both ruined by water. If your home’s foundation and structure deteriorate, it might cause expensive repairs or dangerous situations.
Make an appointment to basement waterproofing philadelphia your home and give it a quick once-over before the rainy weather arrives. Read on for some helpful hints on how to accomplish it.
1. Get Checkups Regularly
How can you ensure water does not seep into inappropriate parts of your house? A routine house inspection for broken walls or surfaces should be the first order of business. Only tiny holes and slits allow water to seep in. Focus on these areas throughout your examination:
Roof
The roof is the first defense against water intrusion into your property. Seal any cracks around skylights and plumbing vents. To have a watertight house, your roof must be in great shape. Ensure the spaces under your home’s roof and around its pipes, wiring, and ducts are completely sealed.
First and foremost, inspect your roof at least one month before summer so you can address any issues that may arise.
The Gutters
Water can back up and damage your buildings when rivers and streams get clogged. Excessive moisture and leaks within your home might result from water pooling in the gutters, overflowing, and running down your outside wall due to a blocked downspout.
Debris and leaves pose a threat of clogging the drains and gutters. To maintain clean gutters, troughs, and drain pipes, remember the following:
- Clear the shingles of any fallen branches or leaves.
- Clear the gutters of any debris.
- Remove tiny debris by hosing it down and allowing it to flow into the downspout.
Maintaining clean waterways is just half the battle; you must repair or replace any corroded or otherwise compromised drain lines.
Constructing the Base and Walls
In addition to routinely inspecting the walls for leaks and fractures, you should cover them with chemicals designed to increase concrete’s water and weather resistance.
2. Fix What Needs Fixing
Once you’ve identified problem areas, it’s time to devise a strategy to fix them. Stop leaks in their tracks and fix gaps by capping them.
First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the various surface damage and crack sealants. For smaller gaps, use caulk; for bigger ones, use hydraulic cement. Using the correct product for the task at hand guarantees a long lifetime and excellent water resistance.
3. Plug Holes
Look for holes or big divots in the walls. Look closely at any craters around the metal wall connections if the base is poured concrete instead of concrete blocks. A sledgehammer of three pounds and a cold chisel should be enough to drive any protruding portion of the metal tie into the wall.
Inspect the concrete-block walls of your basement for any gaps where mortar might be lacking. You should also look for blocks with a triangle-shaped hole visible due to a broken corner.
Check all penetration points, which are any openings in the foundation walls where a pipe, conduit, or duct can enter, whether the foundation is made of poured concrete or concrete blocks. Inspect the area surrounding the penetration hole; water can enter via even the most minor cracks.
4. Enhance Your Landscaping Skills
Using the proper landscaping techniques will significantly lessen the likelihood of water damage. For better water drainage, construct a slope starting at the base of your house. The gravel-encased perforated pipes and French drains allow water to be collected and directed away from your residence.
When spread over flower beds, Mulch prevents water from eroding the soil too closely to the home’s foundation.
5. Apply Coatings and Paints That Are Waterproof
DIY paint waterproofing is simple to apply and offers superior protection against water damage to various substrates. Use concrete and masonry paints and sealants that are waterproof for these surfaces. These coatings act as a protective barrier and prevent water damage and premature degradation.
Waterproofing sealants are also valuable for protecting wooden fences and decks from water and rot. Protect your porch from water damage by doing it yourself with underdeck waterproofing.
In the end!
Protecting the house from water damage is essential for its security and durability. Use these do-it-yourself (DIY) tips for waterproofing your foundation and underdeck to lessen the chances of mold growth, structural damage, and costly repairs caused by water. Always look for signs of home security problems and address them promptly.
These do-it-yourself techniques are great for simple waterproofing issues, but if your problem is more complex, it’s better to call in the pros. You can protect your home from water damage for a long time if you plan and do DIY projects.
