Five Not-So-Obvious Reasons for Basement Waterproofing
Give Your Basement the Waterproofing it Deserves
There are some obvious reasons people choose basement waterproofing. The most obvious reason being the goal to stave off the worst should a basement experience flood damage from a burst pipe or heavy rains. Moreover, implementing basement waterproofing keeps mold and mildew at bay, in turn maintaining optimal air quality in our homes. While these are excellent reasons to choose basement waterproofing, there are a handful of other often overlooked reasons that basement waterproofing is an excellent choice. If you’re building, buying, or renovating your home, take a peek below to learn about some of the lesser-known reasons homeowners across the Milwaukee area opt for basement waterproofing some Zablocki.
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Reason Number Five: Your Basement Floors
Although our basement floors look, feel, and are sturdy, they’re usually only about two to four inches deep. Moreover, these floors do nothing in the way of structural integrity of your home, making them easily susceptible to changes in hydrostatic pressure, the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity. This means that this same pressure that forces water into the basement can also work conversely by pressing water up into your basement floor, causing cracks which allow water to leak into your basement.
Reason Number Four: Holes From Tie Rods
When a home is built, tie rods — poles that act as ties during the initial construction of a home — are used. These steel rods are placed in concrete forms in horizontal rows. Once the home is built, the tie rods are removed, leaving behind holes that are prime targets for water. This can lead to pooling water that can seep into the microscopic pores of the concrete forms. Once water has penetrated the concrete, it’s only a matter of time before cracks begin to show themselves. These cracks are the first signs of structural damage and can lead to greater (and more costly) repairs down the line.
Reason Number Three: Elevated Electric Bills
When your basement is moist, damp, or all-out wet, your AC and heating system works harder to compensate for the moisture in the air. Bluntly, it simply costs more to heat and cool your basement when moist air is trapped in there. While it might seem that your AC/heating unit is on the fritz, it very well could be that it’s your damp basement that’s causing your electric bills to skyrocket — not your AC/heating unit. So, before you call in an HVAC service to take a look at your unit, check to see if your basement could benefit from some moisture reduction.
Zablocki Pro Tip: if your basement has trapped moisture, consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your basement. These handy machines suck moisture out of the air and collect it in an attached bucket that is easily emptied whenever it becomes full. Check your local hardware or home improvement store; there are numerous models and sizes that can fit your needs.
Reason Number Two: Insurance
When basements suffer water damage, it can be a financial and emotional burden to remedy the situation. If your basement becomes flooded, you’ll want to speak with your insurance company immediately. In the US, roughly 20 percent of all insurance claims involve some sort of water damage. This tells us two things: more homes could use basement waterproofing services and that insurance companies are well-prepared to deal with water damage claims, though the latter may be cold comfort when you’re standing ankle deep in both repair bills and uninvited basement water.
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Reason Number One: A Failing Sump Pump
Sump pumps are pumps used to remove water that has pooled into the pump’s sump basin. These are used when basements become flooded and remove the water from the basement. While these devices work wonders for handling moderate amounts of water, they can become overwhelmed and faulty when excess amounts of water collect or pour into your basement. This is particularly problematic during springtime when the snow melts quickly and groundwater swells. Basement waterproofing is an excellent way to ensure that your sump pump doesn’t become overworked or fails in the event excess water finds its way into your basement.
Prevent and Protect
We here at Zablocki understand the importance of both preventing and protecting basements in the Milwaukee area from moisture, flooding, and general water damage. That’s why we implore our neighbors to consider basement waterproofing as not only a way to protect your home, but to save money in the long run. If you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. As always: Choose quality. Choose Zablocki.
