While you may not give the moisture in your basement much thought, it can eventually cause a significant amount of damage to your home. At the same time, many think that basements are supposed to be damp, but, over time, that moisture can lead to cracking or bowing in your home's foundation or in the walls of your home. Too much moisture can also lead to dangerous mold growth. Waterproofing your basement can prevent many of these issues. Here are three decisions that you will need to make when waterproofing your basement.
What Approach To Take
The first decision that you will need to make when it comes to waterproofing your basement is what waterproofing approach you want to take. There are multiple ways to reduce the moisture in your basement. Applying interior sealants is one approach that can keep your basement dry and prevent moisture from spreading to other areas of your home. Adding drainage and pumps are also ways to keep water out of your basement. Usually, more than one waterproofing step is needed to keep your basement dry. Your contractor will help you determine what approaches will work best for your basement.
How Much To Spend
While having a dry basement is vital, you also want to make sure that you are spending an amount you are comfortable with. The cost of basement waterproofing services will depend on the waterproofing approach you take, the size of your basement, and the amount of moisture present. The damper and larger your basement is, the more expensive it will be to waterproof. On average, homeowners spend between $2,128 and $6,772 on basement waterproofing. However, extensive waterproofing can easily cost upwards of $10,000.
Whether To Replace Your Gutters
While waterproofing your basement is something that you should consider, it's also important to know where the water is coming from. If water is not being whisked away efficiently when it rains or snows, your gutters may be to blame. If you notice that your basement is damper than usual, inspecting your gutters is essential. Often clogged or faulty gutters are what is leading to water in your basement. If you are waterproofing your basement, you may also want to think about replacing your gutter system at the same time.
If you are waterproofing your basement, there are a few decisions that you will need to make. First, you will need to determine what waterproofing approach will work best for your basement. There's more than one approach that can get rid of moisture. Next, you'll need to consider your budget and work with your contractor to find waterproofing services that you can afford. Finally, you'll also want to determine whether it's also time to replace your gutters.
For more information about basement waterproofing, reach out to a local contractor.
