8 Must-Know Basement Waterproofing Facts for Homeowners in New Jersey

Is your basement the problem child of your family? Does it always seem to be wet or damp, humid or musty? There could be a number of factors at play- and they may not even have to do with your basement at all.

The truth is, there’s so much more that goes into basement waterproofing than a few tins of ”waterproof” paint. Learn all about how to properly waterproof this area of your home with these simple waterproofing facts…

Get Your Basement Waterproofing Facts Straight

So, how do you get to the bottom of what’s causing your moisture troubles in your basement? There’s a simple tactic you can use to determine where the moisture is coming from. All you need is a one-foot-square piece of aluminum foil and some tape.

Place the square of foil against the bottom of one of your basement walls, and secure with the tape. Leave it there for 24-hours.

If there is condensation on the outside of the foil, there are high humidity levels coming from inside your basement. If the condensation is on the inside of the foil, your humidity issue is likely coming from the outside i.e. the surrounding soil of your home. Alternatively, you could just call in an expert for advice.

For now, here are a few other facts to help you better understand basement waterproofing:

1. Exterior Waterproofing Is a Fool-Proof Method

If you have a serious flooding or moisture issue in your basement, one of the only full-proof methods is exterior waterproofing. Yes, it’s a little pricey, but it’s one of the best solutions to solve your basement moisture woes for good.

Exterior waterproofing involves the excavation of the soil around your home. This excavation is dug down to your foundation walls, then a waterproof coating is installed. This is then topped by drainage panels. These drainage panels provide an easy path for water to flow away from your home, rather than into it.

2. Waterproofing Paint Isn’t Always the Answer

Many homeowners make the assumption that waterproofing paint will do the job in solving their basement moisture troubles. This is simply not the case.

Waterproofing paint is just a thicker version of regular paint. It does very little to solve humidity issues and fight off moisture. It merely covers up the symptoms of the problem- but does not get to the root of it.

3. Without Waterproofing Your Basement, It’s a Mold Hot Spot

It’s no secret that mold thrives in damp, dark, and warm spaces. This makes your basement an absolute hot spot for mold to grow and spread. This poses a major health risk for you and your family.

If you have a mold problem in your basement, don’t think it won’t spread upstairs to the rest of your home. Mold spores and dust mites can travel very easily and cause allergies, asthma and other health problems.

Your best solution to a potential mold problem is to locate and fix water leaks while drying and filtering the air.

4. Simply Airing Out Your Basement Is Not a Solution

Homeowners make the mistake of thinking that ventilation in a basement is the solution to their moisture or humidity issues. This isn’t an adequate solution, and in some cases, can have the opposite effect.

It’s wise to air out a basement after heavy rains or mold removal. But keeping the windows open for too long can let moist, warm air accumulate in the space. Ideally, your basement needs to be kept cool and dry- free from humid air.

5. You Can’t Just Set a Dehumidifier and Forget About It

Dehumidifiers are very effecting at keeping the air in your home dry. They also work well in small crawl spaces. But they are not a total solution for your basement- especially if you are trying to dry out a large space.

Yes, a dehumidifier will help to keep the air relatively dry, but once again, this is a solution to the symptoms, not the root of the problem. Your best bet is to prevent moisture from getting inside your basement in the first place.

6. Crawl Spaces are Important Too

Crawl spaces are often neglected by the majority of homeowners. They are also underestimated in their importance in keeping a home dry and healthy.

Crawl spaces are notorious for trapping heat and humidity, which contributes to the spread of moisture and mold in your basement and home. It’s absolutely critical to keep this area dry with the use of dehumidifiers in order to protect your basement and home.

7. The State of Your Gutters Affects Your Basement

They may seem totally unrelated, but on the contrary, your guttering system has a direct impact on your basement. Your home’s drainage system is designed to carry water away from the structure and foundation of your home.

If you neglect your gutters, this is only a fast-track way to encourage flooding, water and moisture issues in your basement. Make sure your gutters a cleaned and well-maintained. Keep them unclogged and in-place, especially during the rainy season.

8. DIY Waterproofing Is Not Fool-Proof

One of the worst things you can do is attempt a patchy DIY job on waterproofing your basement. If you don’t know what you’re doing, this can actually make your problems worse- and cost you more in the long-run.

It’s always advisable to hire the help of a professional to assist with your waterproofing woes. And it’s always better to jump on that bandwagon sooner, rather than later.

Find Expert Services with Acme Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is a job best left to professionals who know exactly what to look for, and the best solution for the root cause of your problem.

At Acme Waterproofing, our team specializes in basement waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, sump pumps, demolition services and more. No job is too big or too small! Get in touch with our New Jersey team, today.