The best real estate agent knows how vital it is to keep excessive moisture outside any home. That doesn’t apply only to the main living spaces. But it includes other areas such as your basement as well. And your basement needs special attention about the matter since it sits right on the ground.
Meaning the basement is more likely to get a lot of moisture from the soil or other sources. Think of water from your plumbing system and gutter that flows through the ground. Such water can stray away from its proper path and reach the interior of your basement. That results in various problems such as mold, stagnant water, and insect accumulation in your basement.
That’s why you should waterproof your basement and keep nasty problems at bay. This article can guide you on such a task.
What the Best Real Estate Agent Say about Waterproofing a Basement
The best Realtor wants you to remember the signs of water seeping into your basement. Such signs help you make immediate moves before the problem goes out of hand. Of course, they want you to know some helpful DIY waterproofing steps for basements too.
How to Tell if Water Seeps into Your Basement
Here are a few signs that tell you about moisture accumulating in your basement.
Peeling Off of Paint
Accumulated moisture can easily affect the paint on your basement wall. If you notice the paint peeling off, you’re basement likely needs waterproofing. However, the best real estate agent reminds you not to set aside other possible causes of peeling paint, such as incorrect paint application.
Mold Accumulation
Molds only grow in humid environments. That means seeing mold accumulation in your basement is a clear sign that the area needs waterproofing. Remember that molds can cause different sicknesses such as respiratory problems, and you don’t want your family to acquire such health issues. That is why you should waterproof your basement immediately, and you can start by installing a dehumidifier.
Dry Rot on Wood
The top real estate agents also want to warn you about dry rots. These are fungi that cause wood items to rot. Similar to molds, they grow in humid environments as well. They also cause health problems and can damage wood items in your basement.
Water Leak
Water seeping or leaking into your basement is another major sign that you need to waterproof the interior and exterior of the area. It tells you about holes or cracks that require immediate attention. The thing is, water leaks often require professional solutions. That is why it is best to prevent them from happening by waterproofing your basement properly.
Stagnant Water Accumulation
You can consider stagnant water as a worse problem than simple water leaks. It refers to water accumulating within the basement that doesn’t drain out. And leaving stagnant water in your basement is a horrible idea. That is because it easily becomes a bountiful breeding ground for insects, molds, and disease-causing microbes.
In some cases, you can manually drain and clean the accumulated water in your basement. But the best real estate agent tells you that the problem would keep on coming back when you don’t waterproof the basement properly. The thing is, a professional solution is best for addressing such an issue.
Simple DIY Steps for Waterproofing Your Basement
Now, you already know the signs of a basement that is unsafe from moisture accumulation. Yes, only professionals can provide the best waterproofing solutions. However, there are helpful DIYs that you can do with some effort and tools as well.
Install Proper Carpeting
The floor is where most of the moisture accumulates in the basement. If you notice such an issue in your basement, be sure to install proper carpeting.
That refers to the use of water-resistant carpets and pads. Such a type of furnishing can remain in good condition despite having plenty of exposure to moisture. Moreover, water-resistant carpet pads keep moisture from the floor away from the carpet.
However, remember to clean the carpeting regularly with the correct methods. Steam cleaning is the ideal cleaning procedure, but you need to hire professional services for it. That helps remove the mildew stench from the carpet. Also, replace the carpet if it becomes impossible to completely clean or restore.
Install a Residential Dehumidifier
There are situations when you only need to deal with underground humidity in your basement. Such humidity comes from moisture in the ground that eventually seeps into your home. The best real estate agent suggests not to leave such a problem without a proper solution since it can lead to bigger issues. Luckily, installing a dehumidifier can help you eliminate such moisture from your basement area.
First, you should purchase good quality and durable dehumidifier. Ideally, you should choose a unit with a sufficient draining hose that you can point to the floor or tub drainage. However, ordinary dehumidifiers can work as well. That, if you’re fine with frequently throwing accumulated water from a basin or bucket.
Just remember that this method only works to address too much humidity in your basement. Try other possible solutions if you notice water seeping or accumulating in your basement.
Shield the Walls and Floor with Waterproof Sealant
Apply the best waterproof sealant if you notice water seeping through small cracks or holes on your basement floor and walls. Note, however, that it only works for small blemishes on concrete. Larger cracks require a bigger solution.
The best real estate expert suggests you prepare the surface before applying the sealant. First, peel off the paint, then clean the surface using a wire brush. That is to remove any particles or chunks off the correct spot. After which, apply the sealant and repaint the surface properly.
Keep Water Away from Wood Items
Remember that constant water exposure brings dry rot to wood items. That is why it is wise to keep wood furnishing away from a basement with moisture problems.
The best real estate agent suggests you check the wood parts of your foundation as well. Reroute all plumbing and drainage systems that go near to those wood parts. Push soil away because it carries a lot of moisture too.
Call a Professional for Help
Yes, this is not a part of the DIY solutions anymore. But it is wise to determine when you should call a professional for help. As a rule of thumb, make the call when you know you can’t handle the moisture or water problems in your basement. Think of reoccurring leaks and water accumulation, especially after it rains.
How a Professional Service Waterproofs Basements
Here are a few professional solutions for waterproofing a basement that you can expect from a contractor:
Landscaping
Professional landscaping can go a long way for waterproofing your basement. First, a professional landscaping service can check the distance of the soil from your basement. And that helps keep moisture away.
And second, such a service helps with the layout of your yard. That means keeping stormwater from accumulating and flood on your property. Professional landscaping also provides proper drainage for stormwater to pass through and stay away from your basement.
Fix Serious Cracks on the Basement Floor and Walls
As mentioned above, you can fix small cracks and holes with the use of waterproof sealant. But if there are large cracks on the basement floor and walls, you need to call an expert for the job.
They have enough knowledge of masonry to completely fix those nasty cracks. That helps keep water from seeping into your basement, and it can even help minimize draught.
Moreover, the best real estate agent suggests such an option since experts can produce high-quality results. Meaning they can deliver a job with few errors. That is essential when you plan to sell your house later on.
Put All Plumbing and Drainage Systems in Proper Places
Of course, it is essential to keep water systems away from your basement to avoid moisture problems. That is why your plumbing and drainage systems should sit in the correct places. That includes water supply lines, sewage pipes, and gutters, among others.
What the experts would do is check your plumbing and drainage systems. If they notice that something is out of place, they’d suggest a fix for it. Although, that can mean adjusting some parts of your home, such as modifying the foundations.
Yes, that could be a big renovation project. But you should seriously think of availing of such services when necessary. That keeps your basement free from unnecessary moisture in the long run.
Keep this Basement Waterproofing Notes from the Best Real Estate Agent
Waterproofing your basement could be a simple or complex task depending on your situation. That is why it is wise to know the DIY fixes you can apply when possible.
But of course, you should know when to call an expert for help as well. What you need is a high-quality solution that can keep moisture away from your basement for good. Contact the best real estate agent for a more personal guide about waterproofing basements. They can lead you to the best expert services too.