Jun 01, 2021 03:30 PM EDT By Eric Hamilton, UniversityHerald Reporter

Waterproofing your basement can prevent water damage and make your basement more livable. Basements can become damaged and humid due to moisture in the soil around your house. A waterproof seal on the basement helps protect the entire home from water damage and humidity. If you begin to notice higher electric bills, water stains, or mold, you may need to replace the basement waterproofing. Foundation and plumbing problems may lead to problems in the basement, as well. Maintaining the waterproof sealant on your basement can raise the value of your home and make your home a more comfortable place to live. 

Foundation

The foundation of a home can cause problems with the structure of the building. If you have damage to your foundation, you may need to replace the waterproofing on your basement after repairs conclude. Cracks in the walls and floors often happen when the foundation shifts. If you have cracks in the basement, your current waterproof sealant may fail. A reputable company can help with Winston Salem Foundation repairs and basement waterproofing. 

Expired Waterproofing

A basement waterproofing can last up to 10 years. If you purchase an established home, ask the previous owners when they last treated the basement. If you do not know when the last treatment occurred you can have a professional assess the basement. You may prefer to have a full house inspection to check for damage before replacing the waterproofing. If  you have ongoing moisture or foundation problems, a new waterproofing may not work well. Complete foundation and plumbing repairs, as well as adding a new sealant. 

Water Damage

You may notice signs of water damage when you need a new basement sealant. Look for stains or mold in the basement. The entire house may become more humid, causing an unusually high electric bill, as well. Basement walls with inadequate waterproofing may shine due to condensation. Sometimes, pests infest homes with water leaks. Mice, for example, need water to survive. Mosquitos breed in standing water. If you have trouble with stains, mold, or pests, have a professional look for the source of the problem. 

Humidity

As the waterproof sealant on your basement declines, your house may become more humid. Moisture can penetrate the small pores in cement. If you need new waterproofing, you may notice higher utility bills. Your air conditioning may not cool the home well if the humidity is too high. This problem can cause your air conditioning to work harder, causing a higher electric bill. A musty smell may also accompany the humidity in your home. 

Routine waterproofing can help maintain the value of your home. Plan an evaluation of your basement if you suspect a deteriorated sealant. When a waterproof barrier no longer works, you may notice water stains or mold. The basement may also smell musty. Water damage, such as mold, can move quickly through the home. Moisture from soil can penetrate the cement walls and floors, making your basement unsafe. Pay attention to the small signs of foundation and water damage to best protect your basement. 

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