Foundation Waterproofing: 5 Facts All Homeowners Should Know

Few things can negatively affect a home’s value faster than water damage. Even small leaks in the basement or foundation of a house can force homeowners to pay a significant amount for repairs. Thankfully, foundation waterproofing can protect your home from water damage and other issues associated with excess moisture. Here, we’ll list five facts all homeowners should know about waterproofing their basement and explain why this is an investment worth making now –– not later:

Record Rainfalls Threaten Homes

2018 was the third wettest year in the US since record-keeping began in the 1890s. Across the board, the US experienced almost five inches more precipitation than 20th-century averages. While that may not sound like much, record levels of precipitation and flooding are a threat to more homes than ever before. This means that some homes that historically haven’t been affected by heavy rains and floods may now be at risk for severe water damage.

Good Waterproofing is Comprehensive

Obviously, no homeowner wants to experience standing water in their basement. However, water pooling around the outside of your home –– or under it –– can also lead to substantial foundation issues. The lesson here is that the best waterproofing methods address all aspects of water control, including drainage and sewage systems.

Brick and Concrete are NOT Naturally Waterproof

Brick and concrete fixtures are incredibly strong and durable, but they are susceptible to water damage. Just because you’ve invested in a concrete foundation, it doesn’t mean you can afford to overlook potential signs of water damage. Which leads us to our next point…

How to Identify Foundation-Water Issues

Some signs of water affecting a home’s foundation are easy-to-spot, while others can be much more subtle. Nevertheless, everyone who owns a home should be aware of certain signs that could indicate significant water damage. They are:

• Standing water in basement
• Mold or musty smells
• Curved or bowed walls
• Rusted metal pipes
• Stained walls
• Cracks in walls (especially in basement)

In addition, a number of factors can increase a home’s risk for developing water damage. If, for instance, your home is built on a slope that directs rainfall toward your house, then ensuring proper drainage is going to be difficult. Furthermore, intense periods of draught can change the makeup of the soil underneath your home and can make your foundation vulnerable to water damage when rain does return. It’s wise to check your drainage system and your gutters regularly. Doing so will allow you to predict and prevent major water damage from occurring.

Waterproofing is a Smart Investment

Even if you don’t have plans to renovate or “finish” your basement, water within your home can lead to a host of issues from an insecure foundation to disgusting mold and smells pervading your house. Rather than rolling the dice with your home, it makes much more sense to waterproof your foundation as soon as possible.  

A Final Word

At Brickworks, we have years of experience dealing with foundation repair issues of all sizes. We only employ licensed professionals and we only use the best tools available on the market to ensure that we complete your project effectively and efficiently. Call us today at 586-868-3234 if you’re concerned about water damage in your foundation. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem could become!