What Is Basement Waterproofing?

If you’ve owned a home for any amount of time, you’ve probably had family, friends, and neighbors advise you to waterproof your basement. But what exactly is basement waterproofing, and why is it so important? Basement waterproofing involves taking steps to prevent water from infiltrating your basement. Oftentimes, it requires the help of an experienced professional, since it can be difficult to tell exactly where water is coming from and choose the best solution to address the problem.

The Importance of Basement Waterproofing

Many homeowners overlook basement waterproofing, opting to instead spend their money on home improvements that will produce more “visible” results, such as new siding or new kitchen cabinets. But while basement waterproofing won’t do much to enhance your home’s appearance, it’s one of the best things you can do to safeguard your home. Here’s why:

• When water seeps into a basement, it can eventually lead to foundation problems, which can compromise the structure of your home and cause issues such as a sagging roof, cracking walls, sloping floors, and sticking doors and windows.
• Having water in your basement can also encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your family’s health.
• If you’re like many people, you use your basement to store many of the possessions that you don’t use on a daily basis but can’t bear to throw out. If your basement ends up flooding, these mementoes and other items could be destroyed. Or, at the very least, they could develop a musty odor that renders them unusable.

Common Basement Waterproofing Techniques

Basement waterproofing contractors employ a wide variety of methods, and the one that’s best for your home will depend on your specific circumstances. Some of the most common basement waterproofing tools include:

• Water channels – These drainage systems are ideal for homeowners who are experiencing water pooling on their basement floors. Certain homes—such as ones where it’s not feasible to open up the basement floor—may require a special type of water channel.
• Sump pumps – Sump pumps can also help minimize basement flooding by directing water away from a home’s foundation.
• Crack repair solutions – When water is coming in through cracks in basement walls, the problem requires a special solution.
• Dehumidifiers – No matter what’s causing water to infiltrate a basement, a dehumidifier can reduce any resulting moisture in the air and help prevent mold and mildew growth.

Basement Waterproofing Services in Northeast Wisconsin

If you’re interested in waterproofing a basement in Northeast Wisconsin, there’s only one company to choose for the job: ABT Foundation Solutions, Inc. We’re one of the premier foundation repair companies in this region, and we proudly maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We offer all of the basement waterproofing methods listed above, and we even install multiple types of water channels.

Contact ABT Foundation Solutions, Inc., today to learn more about our basement waterproofing services and request a free in-home consultation. We’ll be glad to schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.