Tips and Tricks of Waterproofing

Waterproofing Tips

Homeowners should always be proactive when it comes to protecting their home and their families. Making the decision to waterproof your home is important to prevent possible damage or destruction from flooding. Since flooding is one of the most common natural disasters that occurs in the United States, waiting until there is a problem is not recommended. Once there is a problem with flooding and/or water damage, it is too late. Prevention is the best method to protect your home, family and belongings from disasters.

Tip #1- Detection

As a homeowner you can monitor certain areas of your home in order to prevent possible leaks or flooding. Monitoring and maintaining these areas is a simple and effective way to prevent problems from occurring.

Gutters and downspouts: removing debris from gutters and downspouts, as well as monitoring the flow of water coming out of your downspouts is an easy method to prevent water from entering your home. If your gutters and downspouts are not working optimally, then it is possible for flooding to occur near your foundation, which can cause pressure due to soil shifts. This pressure over time can lead to cracks in your foundation.

Basement windows: take a look at your basement windows to make sure that they are sealed properly and do not contain any cracks. Water can seep in at both of these areas and cause damage to your home. This is often overlooked by homeowners, but can be an easy and quick fix.

Foundation: a good rule of thumb is to survey your foundation each season. Take a look at your interior foundation if it is visible, as well as your exterior foundation, including the inside and outside of your garage.

Service holes: areas such as those that contain exhaust pipes, chimneys, electrical wires, or pipes need to be properly insulated especially if moving from the interior to exterior of the home. Check to see if these areas are properly sealed and insulated to ensure water does not have the opportunity to leak in.

Landscaping: take a look at your yard and landscaping to see if there are any areas of dry, cracked soil, puddling, or erosion. These are signs that the soil is shifting which could result in damage to your foundation. In addition, you want the areas around your home to be sloped in a downward direction away from your home so that water has the ability to run away from the home and not accumulate near the home. Simple changes to your landscaping can prevent problems such as water pooling and soil shifting.

Tip # 2- Prevention

Even if you have flood insurance, the loss of personal and/or sentimental items cannot be recovered. The best action that you can take is to prevent flooding, condensation, and leaks from occurring in your home and destroying precious objects. There are several waterproofing methods available depending on your needs:

• Safewall Waterproofing Panels
• Rough Casting
• Dehumidifiers
• Sump Pumps
• French Drains

Tip #3- Bundle Services

If you are looking to remodel your basement it is the perfect time to also add waterproofing services. If you choose to do this it is important to make sure that you have professionals in waterproofing complete these services for you.

Tip #4- Choose an Expert

Oftentimes consumers will purchase the cheapest option of a product or service without much thought as to value. This is not always the best option. When it comes to your home, which is oftentimes your most costly investment, you want to take care of it to ensure that it retains or increases in value. Because of this, it is important to choose an expert to complete work on your home. Experts also guarantee their work and offer warranties on their products.

Tip #5- Services for Your Needs

Only invest in services that you need and that a trusted expert recommends. Each home is unique and has specific needs when it comes to waterproofing. Based on where you live, how your house was built, and a whole host of other circumstances, an expert can determine which services best fit your needs.

Advanced Basement offers a range of waterproofing services that will fit your needs. Contact Advanced Basement of Pittsburgh to find out what services are right for you and your home.