19 Sep Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It?

Your Michigan home is one of your single most important expenses. You need to protect your home from top to bottom. SAS is in business to keep the water out from the roof to the basement. Unfortunately, the basement is often the biggest problem in Michigan homes. Yet, many people still ask if basement waterproofing is really worth the cost?

Here are 4 top reasons you consider basement waterproofing

1. Michigan Weather Is Wet – Average annual rainfall in Michigan is 31.73 inches. You may think it seems like we are getting a lot more, and you’re right! The Metro Detroit area got 43.81 inches of rain in 2018. This means it’s even more important to protect your home.

2. Basements Leaks Can Do Damage Fast – When you consider that it can only take a few days for a leak to set up mold growth in your home. Then add the real possibility of additional foundation damage, and you’ll understand that a leak can cause major damage in a short period of time.

3. Over The Long Term, You’ll Save Money– This is tough for some people to understand. However, investing in waterproofing services now, you avoid higher expenses in the future. Mold remediation and foundation repairs are expensive when compared to basic home waterproofing.

4. Keep Your Family Safe – The most important reason to waterproof your basement is to keep your family safe. Mold grows in moist environments and can cause numerous health risks. These risks include respiratory issues, allergies, and more.

Is The Time and Money Worth It?

If your basement is leaking, your first thought might be to take the time to fix it on your own. There are some basic waterproofing methods which you can to do on your own, however, it is better to leave bigger projects to the professionals.

The fact is, you can do more harm than good if you DIY it. You may think that you have fixed the basement problem when you haven’t touched on the real issue. It just may be a temporary fix, which can lead to bigger problems later.

When Can You Do It Yourself?

If you live in an area of Michigan which is prone to high water tables or flood, you have a sump pump. Keep track of and repair small leaks, however, if they keep coming back or get worse, you will need a professional.

However, you can take action now to ensure that the dampness in your basement isn’t caused by preventable sources.  Many basements have a problem with gutters and downspouts leaking.  In fact, you can spend thousands of dollars on a basement waterproofing system, yet if your gutters are not draining properly, basement waterproofing will not keep the water out.  Make sure your gutters are clean and draining effectively.

Small plumbing leaks can be a problem. They can go unnoticed for a long period of time.  This is true when pipes are hidden in walls or behind appliances.  If you notice one particular area of the basement which is often or always damp, check the plumbing around that area.D

When your dryer vent is installed properly, it should send the dryers moist air outside your home.  However, if a dryer vent becomes loose or detached, the moist air goes into your home.

This is a common issue if the ground around your foundation is sloped toward your house, rainwater does not drain away from your home. Build up the ground around your house so water flows away from your foundation.

Ask your heating and cooling contractor to check your home system to be sure that it is ventilating properly and that your home unit is the correct for your size house.

Online guides and video tutorials can make waterproofing look easy, however waterproofing a basement can be a complicated and messy job. Check the basics first and then consider your next steps.

What Could Go Wrong?

Many things can go wrong if you attempt to waterproof your basement on your own. Especially if you don’t have the proper training and experience. You can damage your basement if you are not familiar with how to use the proper tools.

As mentioned, you may think you fixed the problem, yet you haven’t and water could continue to slowly leak into your basement. This mistake can cause structural damage and mold growth. It can even attract pests into your home.

For the health and safety of your family, as well as, the value of your home. Waterproofing your basement is an excellent investment for Michigan homes.