Basement Waterproofing in Fort Washington MD: Is Your Foundation Secure?

As mentioned, some waterproofing solutions are temporary, whereas others can last longer if they’re more comprehensive. The type of waterproofing that involves interior drainage installed by a reliable contractor is a more permanent solution. Comparatively, sealant waterproofing lasts between one and two years, depending on the type of sealant you used.

Basement finishing has become more and more popular in recent years as homeowners seek to make the most of every square inch of space that their home has to offer. There are many regulatory requirements around what is needed to class a basement as a ‘habitable space’. For example, you will need an egress window of a certain size. However, waterproofing is not technically necessary to finish your basement fully.

However, it is a very good idea to waterproof your basement before you begin any finishing work. After all, nothing is certain to ruin your hard work and furnishings quite like dampness, flooding, and mold. The benefits of waterproofing your basement before finishing it are many, and the process itself should be very straightforward and cost-effective, unless there are serious underlying issues that must be addressed first.

Generally speaking, waterproofing your basement will start with clearing all obstructions and debris from the space. After this, insulation will be cut to size and installed alongside vapor barriers to prevent moisture from seeping through the bare concrete walls and into your home. Depending on the space you have, a professional may also suggest perimeter drains and a sump pump system to make sure that your finished basement stays safe and dry in even the worst weather. Waterproofing your basement before you finish it will not only protect your hard work, but will make your finished basement more comfortable to be in.

Waterproofing your basement is essential in homes throughout Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., as our humid climate frequently sees rainfall. Even outside of rainy weather, moisture is still present in the earth in the form of hydrostatic pressure. This is a major contributing factor to the development of basement leaking and cracks in the floor and foundation, through which water seeps. Water-logged soil can also cause water to seep through window wells and doorways. 

Draining this water away effectively is important for preserving the health of your basement, and thereby also keeping your home healthy and comfortable to live in. Water in the basement can cause a number of problems including the following: 

Mold, Mildew, and Wood Rot 

A persistent presence of water and moisture will cause mold, mildew, and wood rot to grow. Mold and 

mildew don’t cause overly much property damage, but they do affect the indoor air quality. The spores released by mold can cause irritation of the mouth, nose, and eyes, and can trigger allergic reactions. 

Some types of mold, like Black Mold, are even toxic. 

Wood rot is a fungus which devours dead wood. Within 2-3 years of first growing, wood rot can cause significant structural damage to the home. In the basement, this means the ceiling/floorboards and wooden supports and framework. 

Preventing these growths from forming is important for the health and happiness of your family. To do this, water must be drained away and a moisture-free environment maintained. 

Pests 

Rodents and cockroaches actively seek out warm, dark environments like basements to call home. Basements with water leakage are even more attractive. A reliable source of water is high in the priority list of any animal, and cockroaches need damp environments to survive. 

Maintaining a dry and water-free basement is crucial for deterring pests from living in your basement. 

Established colonies of pests can negatively impact the indoor air quality with allergens, and the creatures themselves can spread bacteria. 

Increasing Humidity 

In our area, water will eventually begin to evaporate, especially if it is left to puddle in the basement. 

What this does is cause the interior humidity levels of the basement to rise. As heat rises, these peaks in humidity will quickly move into the home itself. Not only does this make your home uncomfortably warm, but it also causes your energy usage to rise too. 

Often, to combat these unprecedented humidity levels, people will run their air conditioning system for longer. This increases the home’s energy usage, and thus the monthly energy bill as well. Effectively draining water from the basement controls indoor humidity levels, and in doing so creates a more comfortable, energy efficient home.