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There are so many things that go into new construction that you need to think about. How complex is the electrical going to be? Where will the pipes need to go for your plumbing? What kind of roof will you put on the building? In what places will you need new concrete? With so many questions about what it takes, you will likely need help along the way. Our blog is designed to inform you about all the latest things related to construction. No matter how big or small your project may be, you'll find the guidance you're looking for to make informed decisions.

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How Do You Know If You Need Basement Waterproofing?

by Robert Larson

Water infiltration into your basement can lead to many potentially serious issues. At best, excessive moisture can create a breeding ground for mold that may spread elsewhere in your home. At worst, water entering through cracks and other openings in your foundation can threaten the stability of the entire structure.

However, not all basement moisture issues require extensive waterproofing. The amount of waterproofing you may want to add can also vary depending on the severity of the problem. By asking yourself these three questions, you can begin to understand how concerned you should be about water in your basement and what steps you should take to mitigate it.

1. Is Flooding a Continual Issue?

Basement flooding can sometimes occur due to unusually severe weather or other exceptional circumstances. Waterproofing can be a significant financial investment, so it's worth considering how often you face this problem. If you've lived in your home for many years and never experienced flooding before, then you may want to investigate the situation further before acting.

Note that you still shouldn't ignore one-off flooding in your basement. A waterproofing contractor can evaluate your home to determine the underlying cause of the flooding, and they can help you understand if it may happen again. If the problem recurs, it's time to consider installing additional waterproofing.

2. Are You Facing an External Drainage Issue?

Recurrent flooding is sometimes the result of problems with lawn drainage. In some cases, you may need to address the issue with your landscaping before waterproofing your basement. On the other hand, water draining back toward your house can be a severe problem and not one that you should allow to go on for too long.

If you can't prevent water from draining against your foundation, you'll need to consider some options to mitigate further damage. For relatively minor moisture infiltration, you can use interior wall sealant or floor drains. However, more severe problems usually require excavation, and you may need to consider exterior drain tiles or a French drain system.

3. Are Your Sump Pumps Overwhelmed?

Keeping all moisture out of the basement can be challenging in some environments, so sump pumps help minimize the potential for damage. Water that enters your basement collects in a sump pit, and the pump moves it safely outside. Sump systems should keep up with any "normal" level of basement water problems, so overwhelmed pumps are a good indication that you need extra waterproofing.

Although you can add a second sump pump, it's usually better to address the problem directly rather than dealing with the symptoms. A waterproofing contractor can determine why such an excessive amount of water is entering your basement and recommend the most cost-effective and permanent solution. Contact a company like Central Penn Waterproofing for more information.

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