The average basement is damp and moldy, with excess moisture and leaks. Basement waterproofing can help to remove excess water and solve moisture issues. The idea is to create a drier and healthier space.
Using basement waterproofing, homeowners can solve issues such as flooding and standing water, moisture seeping, and condensation. According to www.sedonawaterproofing.com, basement waterproofing can also remedy problems with mold and mildew; or fix the floor insulation. There are many different basement waterproofing solutions available.
How does basement waterproofing work?
Basement waterproofing might involve the following maintenance work:
- Water removal: When there is standing water in your basement, a basement waterproofing service can get rid of the water. They can also offer a draining solution, to stop the problem from recurring. Draining options might include, new gutters, or a downspout extension.
- Fixing water damage: There are many ways to fix water damage in your basement. These solutions might include foundation repairs, cleaning, or mold removal. It may also be appropriate to protect electrical fixtures or improve the insulation.
- Sump Pumps: If your basement experiences flooding, it’s helpful to install a sump pump. These can help to pump water out of your basement. Using a pump, you can stop your basement from flooding again in the future.
- Basement dehumidifiers: A dehumidifier can help to prevent rising humidity levels in the air. Dehumidifiers can stop a build-up of condensation, or high moisture levels. Using a dehumidifier, you can keep your basement dry, improve the conditions, and create a healthier home.
There are several other options to protect your basement including vapor barriers, additional wall insulations, and encapsulation. You can find more tips and tricks like this on Guides4homeowners.co.uk.
Why is basement waterproofing essential?
There are many reasons why basement waterproofing is vital. Firstly, basement waterproofing can protect your property in the event of a flash flood. Without a waterproof basement, you could end up with lots of damage to your possessions and your home.
Mildew and mold can cause health issues, and so it’s important to remove them from your basement and your property.
If moisture gets trapped in the foundation, it may start to crack. To protect the structures, a great waterproofing solution can help. When you prevent cracks in the foundation, you’ll reduce your energy costs at the same time.
Is basement waterproofing covered by insurance?
U.S News defines a standard homeowners insurance policy as one that, ‘provides coverage to repair or replace your home and its contents in the event of damage from fire, smoke, theft or vandalism, a falling tree, or damage caused by a weather event.’ Not all insurance policies are the same, but typically, a home insurance policy does not cover basement waterproofing.
Most types of water damage don’t come with a basic home insurance policy. Whether it’s maintenance issues or water back-up from an outside drain, you’ll need to cover these repairs yourself. While you can’t get basement waterproofing insurance coverage, you can invest in an affordable basement waterproofing solution. With the correct maintenance, you can prevent damages, and save yourself money in the long run.
Why isn’t basement waterproofing covered by insurance?
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home from losses that are accidental or sudden. Water damage in your basement is considered a home maintenance problem. One thing you can do is to include endorsements in your home insurance policy. (Endorsements allow you to gain coverage for situations that aren’t usually included).
For example, you could add an endorsement in case a pipe bursts. When you are buying your home insurance policy, it’s best to check exactly what’s included. If there are any extras you need, you can look into adding these endorsements. Basement waterproofing insurance coverage is not an option in a standard policy. However, you may be able to add an endorsement to cover your sump pump, (in case it breaks down).
Is flood damage included?
Some weather events such as lighting, are covered in a home insurance policy. Unfortunately, floods are not usually included in your average policy.
According to american-reia.com, ‘no type of flood damage, no matter the source of the water, is covered by standard homeowners’ policies. Flooding, for example, can occur from storms, over-saturated ground, overflowing or surging bodies of water such as rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans.’ While this is the case, it suggests that you can obtain separate coverage for floods by contacting the National Flood insurance program.
If you live in an area that experiences regular flooding, it’s especially important to get yourself a basement waterproofing solution. The right waterproofing can help to reduce the damage caused, if there’s a flood.
What causes basement leaks?
There may be several different reasons that your basement is leaking. If your window wells are not adequately sealed then this could well be the problem. Water may build up if a window well doesn’t have the right drainage. When water builds up here, it can easily flood inside the basement.
Water could also be coming from the soil around your home. Perhaps you have cracks in the floor? If so, the water pressure could well be the problem. If water forms underneath the concrete, this can make hydrostatic pressure. The pressure causes the water to seep through the cracks, quickly seeping into your basement. To prevent these issues in your property, you’ll need to keep up with your home maintenance tasks and deal with any issues as soon as they crop up.
How do I waterproof my basement?
If you need basement waterproofing contact a local professional near you. Most companies have a range of basement waterproofing solutions that can help you out. Whether you need a sump pump, water damage fixes, or water removal, a local expert will have a range of choices.
