Learning About Building Repair Techniques

The basement to your home can be one of the more likely areas of the house to suffer water damage. Unfortunately, water damage can have severe repercussions, such as causing structural issues for the home or contributing to mold growth. This damage can occur for a number of reasons, but it is important to note that there are some steps that you can take to help protect your house against this type of damage.

Keep The Humidity Low

It may not seem as though the humidity will play a major role in preventing or causing water damage, but high humidity levels can make it easier for condensation to form. When condensation forms, it can allow moisture to collect along the walls and floor of the basement. Over time, this prolonged exposure to water can allow cracks to form in the concrete, wood to rot, and mold to start to grow.

In order to prevent this type of damage from occurring, you will want to use a dehumidifier. These devices are able to extract excess moisture from the air, which can help to prevent it from damaging your home's basement.

Install A Sump Pump And Drain Tiles

Depending on the terrain and the drainage around your home, it may be possible for water to start to accumulate in the basement following any periods of intense rainfall. This can occur due to the water seeping through the small pores in the walls, cracks or other openings. To keep this water from flooding your basement, you should consider installing a sump pump and drain tiles. The drain tiles will allow any water to drain out of the basement, and the sump pump will help to push the water through the drains.

Invest In A Waterproof Coating

Another step that can be taken to prevent water damage from harming your basement is to have the walls and floor coated with a waterproof sealant. These substances will prevent moisture from being able to seep through the walls of the basement. However, you should avoid attempting to apply these coatings yourself because it is essential for the entire surfaces of the basement to be coated. If you were to miss a spot, you basement would still be at risk of suffering water damage. While a waterproof coating can be highly effective at preventing water from entering the basement, it will need to be reapplied every few years to ensure that the basement is as protected as possible against this threat. 

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