Northern Virginia is an area where you’re able to enjoy all seasons. Some years we get a lot of rain and snow. Because of this, you may come across issues at home that are caused by water penetration. Whether it’s a flooded basement, garage, or mold that you’re dealing with, we have some ideas to help you prevent major issues.
Basements are quite often neglected in our homes. Nevertheless, they play a crucial role in the overall structural integrity of the property and the air that our families breathe. For your house to last for generations, preventative maintenance is well worth your while.
The major problem that basements deal with in their lifetime is water penetration. Water penetration can be caused by cracks on the foundation, gaps on your doors or windows and clogged drains just to name a few. There are many ways you can waterproof your home and prevent water penetration, but what does it mean to waterproof your home?
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is a process designed to prevent water entering your home, protecting it from moisture damage, mold growth, and structural issues. The main goal of waterproofing is to keep your property dry, protecting your valuables and the foundation of the home. By keeping your property dry, you prevent your home from developing mold and mildew. Mold and mildew will not only affect the home, but also the health of your family by compromising the air quality.
Waterproofing you home consists of the following:
- Sealing foundation slab and wall cracks
- Installing a sump pump system with a battery back-up
- Adding, repairing, or modifying gutters and downspouts
- Designing and installing a perimeter drain system
- Installing weather stripping to doors and windows
- Designing and installing a swale for the appropriate volume of water
- Installing downspout extensions
Annual Inspection
In addition to waterproofing your home, an annual preventative maintenance inspection is highly recommended. Annual inspections can help detect issues early and prevent them from getting worse and costlier.
This inspection includes checking the exterior of your home for any water damage, cracks, non-functioning gutters, or worn-out materials such as sealants and membranes. The foundation will also be examined for any signs of shifting which can affect existing waterproofing systems. On the inside, you will inspect walls, floors and ceilings for any moisture or dampness, which is an indication of potential water intrusion.
If you have a sump pump, the well will need to be cleaned and the pump will be water tested to ensure it’s in working order. Other items to be inspected for leaks are discharge lines and proper drainage away from the foundation on the outside. Proper sump pump functionality is critical for removing excess water from your basement.
Investing in basement waterproofing and maintaining existing basement waterproofing systems is a great way to protect your home, especially if you live in rainy or snowy areas. Doing so will not only prevent a huge headache but it’s also more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of water damage. The cost to repair a damaged foundation can be astronomical.
A waterproof basement can add great value to your home. Not just an emotional value, which will allow you to create many wonderful memories by preventing any major disasters that can be excruciating for you and your family. But it can also help you sell your property at a higher value as waterproofing can be an attractive feature for potential buyers.
In the end, it’s a win-win situation. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry!
Schedule an initial consult or give us a call at 703-989-8744 – We offer 100% free consultations, designs, and estimates!