Four Steps to Maintaining a Dry Basement

If you're concerned about the ever-present musty smell in your basement or the possibility of mold or mildew growing in your home's lower level, it's time to take the necessary steps to waterproofing your basement. Unless you have training in this area of expertise, it’s best to hire a dedicated and experienced basement waterproofer to help keep your basement dry.

Step 1: Identify the Problem(s)

Once you hire a certified basement waterproofer that has experience handling all types of basements and waterproofing systems, he or she can visit your home and diagnose your basement's issues. For example, he or she can identify where the water is coming from, how to repair the wetness or leak, and how to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

After all, basement waterproofing is a job that you -- the homeowner -- only wants to complete and pay for once; which is exactly what a certified basement waterproofer with extensive knowledge and experience can provide.

Step 2: Discuss Possible Solutions

Once your certified basement waterproofer has correctly identified the problem areas in your basement, it's time to talk about how to fix them. If your basement's wetness originates from the wall-floor joint, the basement waterproofer may suggest installing a perimeter drainage system along the basement floor. This would then drain to your existing (or newly-installed) sump pump, which would expel the water from inside your basement to the outdoors, away from your home.

If the basement waterproofer is concerned about waterproofing your basement's walls, he or she may suggest installing a wall vapor barrier or insulated wall panels. If your basement has visible cracks along walls or floors, it's important to have your basement waterproofer repair them immediately; otherwise, your home is at serious risk of flooding during a heavy rainstorm. Cracks in a basement's walls or floors can also permanently compromise a home's structural stability.

Step 3: Basement Waterproofing Installation

Now that you have identified your basement's water-related issues and discussed waterproofing solutions, it's time to have the certified basement waterproofer install the correct waterproofing system(s) in your basement. Depending on the severity of your basement's wetness, this could range from a drastic renovation (e.g. installing a perimeter drainage system, sump pump, and waterproof walls and floors) to a simple yet effective remedy (e.g. installing an energy-efficient basement dehumidifier). Whatever the solution, the sooner you repair a leaky or wet basement, the better!

Step 4: Follow-Up Visits

Quality basement waterproofers will occasionally check in with you after they complete your basement waterproofing installation. They'll provide you with tips on how to keep your basement dry during the wettest months of the year, and how to spot even the smallest signs of wetness or leakage in your basement and throughout your home. Follow-up visits and consultations help give the homeowner extra peace of mind and help to ensure the home is a safe, healthy, and comfortable space.

A wet, damp, or humid basement not only compromises the safety of your home, but also decreases its value. To protect your family from mold and mildew exposure, and to protect your investment, hire a certified basement waterproofer serving your town today!

McInroy Basement Systems is your qualified and experienced resource for basement waterproofing in Kingston and all nearby Ontario areas.