Your basement is more than just a part of the house, it is the foundational structure of your home. This fact alone is enough reason to justify waterproofing your basement area. Also, since the basement is the common part of the house that floods, you need to waterproof the area to prevent water damage. Here are seven reasons to waterproof the basement of your Rochester home.
1. Reduced Bills
A dry home uses less energy to warm. The lost heat through damp foundations can cost you a lot of money. Waterproofing your basement makes it better insulated and more cost-effective. In addition, a waterproofed basement will keep heat out on hot days, thus reducing the cost of running an air conditioner. In addition, if you don’t have insurance, it can cost a lot of money to repair a damaged basement and replace damaged property. A report by Metro Home Insulation and Waterproofing shows that basement wall insulation can reduce the cost of heating by 10%-20%, making it a great investment.
2. Increased Home Value
Do you intend to sell your house in the future? Buyers check the condition of the basement before purchasing. Without waterproofing, you could lower the cost of your Rochester house. But, having a basement free of mold, water leaks, and cracks makes the area more appealing to buyers. In addition, the rusty smell from water damage can be a turnoff to a potential buyer.
3. Increasing Living Space
Without waterproofing, a basement can experience flooding, so you cannot use the area for a meaningful purpose. Waterproofing a basement increases the living area. Whether you want a study room, an office, or a fitness area, waterproofing is what you need to turn your basement into a potentially useful space. After waterproofing, you can paint the ceiling and walls without fearing water damage and create a guest bedroom or a relaxation area.
4. Protect the Foundation
The foundation is a fundamental part of your Rochester home. It supports the whole house. Waterproofing reduces flooding in the basement, thus keeping it safe from water. A wet basement leads to cracks in the foundation, which may cause structural damage to the entire house. Also, water in the basement can slowly erode the soil that supports the foundation, leading to uneven floors, sinking and tilting chimneys, and windows and doors not closing properly. Research shows that 98% of basements experience water damage.
5. Avoid Mildew and Mold
Waterproofing a basement prevents mold and mildew growth. Without waterproofing, moisture can seep through the foundation, creating a good breeding ground for mold. Mold causes allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and triggers asthma. This means your family will spend a lot of resources on health. Waterproofing is the answer to preventing the production of toxins and allergens, thus lowering medical costs and improving health.
6. Reduced Cleanup and Damage
If you have not waterproofed your basement, be ready to clean up floods regularly, even hiring cleaning companies to dry up the area completely. Your Rochester properties will be safe from flooding with waterproofing. Also, inspect drains to ensure they are not clogged. When water and moisture are trapped in the foundation, it expands and contracts, causing cracks that are costly to repair and hazardous to the house structure.
7. Peace of Mind
Do you worry every time it rains heavily? Heavy rains can cause flooding in the basement, damaging your property and health. It’s also overwhelming to dry up a flooded area. Having your basement waterproofed can help you relax on stormy days. If you want to sell your house or you have guests, you don’t have to worry when they tour the house. A report by the Statistics Database shows that one in 10 homes in the U.S. has leaks in the plumbing, so it is best to be proactive.
Basement waterproofing is essential if you want to save money on cleanups, repairs, and medical costs. In addition, waterproofing adds value to your home and saves on energy and renovation needs. If you want to make the most of your basement area, waterproofing can turn the space into a useful area.
