Waterproofing Basement Walls
Waterproofing Basement Walls in Atlanta
The Northern and Western parts of the U.S., which includes the Midwest, are where you will find the most homes with basements. And that’s because both are home to some of the coldest states in the union. But that’s not to say Southern homes don’t have them. Some Southern states, like Georgia, namely Atlanta, have basements. In the 1950s, basements, the area of a house built underground, were used for storage. These days, most homeowners use this underground space as an entertainment area or just extra living space. Either way, having a basement significantly increases a home’s value. But there are also some drawbacks as well.
Water Basement Problems
The downside to having a basement is it can be an access point for water you don’t want in your home. Studies show most basement moisture problems occur when water seeps through basement floors, joints between floors and walls, or permeates walls below ground level during or after heavy rain. In whatever way water gets into your basement, it can adversely affect air quality and might even cause structural damage. That all said, it is possible to keep water and moisture out of one’s basement with the help of a professional and licensed waterproofing service.
Signs That Indicate It Is Time to Waterproof Your Basement
Regularly seeing puddles of water on your basement floor is an obvious sign that it is time to waterproof your basement. But there are many other signs, including the sudden onset of allergies or asthma upon entering your basement. Such respiratory problems are common when exposed to mold caused by excessive water damage. Other things that can suggest it is time to have your basement professionally waterproofed include the following:
- Damaged walls, floors, and furniture
- Higher heating and cooling bills
- Insect infestation
- Musty odors
Steps Involved in Having Your Basement Walls Professionally Waterproofed
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, around 60% of homes with a basement have moisture and water seepage due to foundation cracks, which can occur when the soil around a home’s foundation becomes saturated with water that isn’t able to drain away and, as a result, creates hydrostatic pressure. The organization also found that 38% of homes experience mold or fungus growth because of elevated moisture levels. That aside, some of the steps involved in waterproofing walls in a basement include the following:
- Using a wire brush to remove dust, grime, and loose or broken masonry from walls
- Stripping away old paint and other coatings from walls
- Plugging any holes or cracks found
- Sealing the space around windows, doors, and window wells with fresh caulk
- Applying a premium waterproof sealer, like DRYLOK Extreme Masonry Waterproofer, for example, to walls
How Much Does It Cost To Have Your Basement Walls Professionally Waterproofed?
If you own one of the few homes in Atlanta, Georgia, with a basement and thought about getting it professionally waterproofed, you should know doing so is not overly expensive. According to an article published by Forbes, with materials and labor included, the cost of waterproofing a basement is between $3.50 and $8 per square foot.
In summary, the money, time, and effort it takes to waterproof one’s basement are all well worth it, and it could just save a home from costly water damage. To learn more about the benefits of waterproofing your basement walls or to get an estimate, consider speaking with one of our friendly and knowledgeable associates today.
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Protect your property from water damage! Our top-notch Waterproofing Service in Atlanta offers reliable solutions for leaky basements, damp walls, and more. Don’t wait until it’s too late – safeguard your investment today. Contact us for a free consultation and keep your space dry and secure.