A Basement Company Can Waterproof Your Basement
The basement company can be an excellent place to set up a business. It can be used for storage, office space, or a warehouse. It can also be used as a workshop or studio space.
Before a basement waterproofing company quotes a project, an inspector should visit the house and look for serious issues. They should report their findings to the homeowner.
Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is the process of using materials and techniques to stop moisture from seeping into a basement. Waterproofing is a job for professionals since a basement is so close to the ground and there are many factors that could lead to flooding or structural problems. Some simple preventative measures like putting extenders on downspouts and creating a 5-percent slope in the soil around the foundation walls are enough to keep water from draining toward the house, but more drastic measures may be necessary if there are serious issues with your home’s drainage system.
Interior sealants can help with dampness caused by condensation, but they won’t do anything about leaks in the foundation or walls. Masonry waterproofing products such as epoxy injections can be used to fill cracks and act as a barrier against moisture, but they’re considered band-aid fixes for waterproofing basements that have significant leaks or efflorescence (white mineral deposits on the surface of concrete walls). An exterior French drain system, which involves excavating a trench along the basement wall, lining it with gravel and perforated drain tile and installing a sump pit and plastic panels over the top of the basement wall, is a more permanent solution.
Basement Repair
Basement waterproofing can help fix serious cracks in a home’s foundation and walls. However, it is important to make sure that the company’s inspector addresses any other issues that might need repair before proceeding with basement waterproofing.
For example, a contractor should be able to identify and fix leaking basement windows before installing a new window well. The company should also address any settling in the soil that could cause the foundation to shift.
One homeowner in Staten Island, NY was experiencing a smelly, damp crawl space. Their carpets were soggy, their wood floors rotting and it was a breeding ground for mold. Nick recommended encapsulating the space with ThermalDry Flooring which prevents water vapor from passing through to the interior floor. This makes it easier to vacuum, sweep and mop the floor while reducing moisture in the crawl space. This solution helped to improve the quality of air in the home and protect against mold growth and other problems.
Basement Remodeling
A basement is a floor of a building that is below ground level. It may be partly or completely underground and is usually used as a utility space where the water heater, furnace, breaker box or fusebox and sewage pipes are located. A basement may also house electrical equipment or a cable television distribution point.
A basement can be constructed with a concrete slab or block walls, and it is often lined with either a waterproof membrane or drywall to protect against moisture and mold. Windows in basements are often egress style (through a window well or door) and should be properly fitted with a clear cover to prevent rainwater from seeping through.
A basement renovation, when done correctly by a qualified basement finishing contractor, can add an extra floor of living space to your home and increase the overall value of your property for less money than an addition. Get a free basement design quote from your local experts today.
Basement Additions
Basements are most commonly used as living or recreation spaces, but they can be fitted out to accommodate almost any need for additional space. It is not uncommon to find (alongside a living or recreation room) a basement office, home gym, teen bedroom, bathroom, basement bar, craft room, sauna, or even a complete kitchen in homes with a finished or partly-finished basement. In some countries, the area of a basement may be included in the advertised square footage of a house. This is sometimes required in earthquake-prone areas to help protect against building collapse, or in tornado-prone areas to provide shelter against destructive winds.