Why Basement Waterproofing Will Increase the Value of Your Home
Water is THE issue with basements as it’s the dampest part of your home!
It always attracts moisture problems.
Condensation or Seepage?
Moisture problems come in two forms: condensation or seepage. Condensation is airborne and turns to water after coming into contact with a cold surface. Seepage is water that comes in to the basement through cracks in the foundation or solid concrete via capillary action known as water wicking. You have various Do-It-Yourself and professional service options for basement waterproofing that increases the value of your home.
Seepage Causes and Solutions
The cause of seepage can be visibly seen as water entering the home. The solution to basement water seepage is to stop the water entering the home. The solution can be provided DIY or from a residential drainage specialist. This is done by means of diverting rain water away and changing angle of the ground around the home so it slopes away from the home, then waterproofing any other areas where water still enters.
Condensation Causes and Solutions
Condensation is caused by water vapor, measured as relative humidity. There are various natural and occupant caused sources of basement humidity. Water vapor is a gas and cannot be visibly seen unless it condenses to liquid. Air containing water vapor will rise and travel throughout the house, leaving condensation on any cold services throughout the house, not just in the basement. The solution to excessive basement humidity causing condensation in the home is a basement dehumidifier. Online basement humidity resources, dehumidifier comparisons, and air quality application engineers can help you determine the proper equipment to handle your moisture load.
Waterproofing Will Safeguard the Value of Your Home
Here are 8 reasons why waterproofing your basement has to be high on your Homeowner’s list:
- Inadequate basement waterproofing can impact negatively the value of your house.
- Due to the fact a basements is usually an enclosed space, the chances are high that advanced humidity conditions may turn into dampness, mildew, mold, and allergens. This does not only decreases the value of your home, but also possibly endangers the health your family.
- Poor basement waterproofing due to leakage can destroy furnishings and appliances.
- Structural rot that results in costly repairs can arise from basement dampness.
- Insect infestation and termites can also be a direct result of poor basement waterproofing. There mediation for this problem can eventually cost more than if proper waterproofing done in the first place.
- Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from natural decay or uranium found in almost all soils. It can come into your home through cracks in the basement floor. Proper basement waterproofing can help avoid not only this problem and reduce dampness in your home.
- If cracks in basement walls are not properly addressed water that collects in areas can ooze into the basement causing problems in spite of basement waterproofing.
- The “Stack Effect” can also be a factor in your home humidity problems. Stack effect refers to the movement of air in and out of buildings. Buoyancy occurs due to a difference in indoor-to-outdoor air density resulting from temperature and moisture differences. So if a basement’s waterproofing is not addressed problems may spread throughout the home causing costly damage.
Return on Basement Waterproofing Investment
With an increasing demand for finished basements, waterproofing this part of the house is not just an option anymore. It is a necessity! Cost of basement waterproofing services can range in price from $12,000 to $20,000. Alternative solutions of diverting rain water can be negligible cost for DIY. Either solution should budget a hair over $1000 for a commercial grade basement dehumidifier to maintain constant relative humidity during weather changes, especially if waterproofing is not done. Spend the money in properly finishing your basement and rake in the rewards both while living in your home and when you’re selling it. A finished basement doesn’t only mean having the comfort and convenience it brings as added living space. It also boosts the value of the house should you decide to sell it.
“If it’s dry, it’s a plus," says Kenneth Austin, co-author of The Home Buyer’s Inspection Guide. "But it’s a negative if it has water problems."
January 10th, 2010
