Many houses across the globe are able to add additional living space to their home by having a basement. These underground wonders are great for additional bedrooms, recreation rooms, and even laundry facilities. The problem, however, that many homeowners have is that their additional living space is damp, musty, and frequently wet. That is why knowing some effective tips for simple basement waterproofing is a good idea.

When walking down the stairs there is often a smell that people associate with these rooms. It is a musty, damp smell that often permeates the room and any furniture in it. If constant dampness or humidity is a problem, the easiest method to cure this problem is to invest in a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The best way to determine the size needed to handle the room is to get a good measurement of the square footage.

Armed with the size of the room, dehumidifiers literally pull the water out of the air and capture in a container found within the machine. Depending on the total square footage, it may be necessary to purchase several in order to prevent the need to empty the containers constantly. A good quality product will alleviate the feeling of dampness associated with these popular spaces.

If the problem downstairs is leakage of water, a dehumidifier will not help. In these instances the homeowner needs to find the source of the leak. If the leak is from plumbing inside the home, depending on the location it can be a fairly ease fix. Most small leaks come from pipes that have rusted or have been nicked in some manner. Once the leak is located, wrap the pipe in Teflon tape to seal the leak.

If the tape doe not work, it may be necessary to cut out a portion of the pipe and reinstall a new section. If the homeowner is handy, this can also be a fairly easy fix and an inexpensive one. However, if the owner does not feel comfortable with the DIY approach, calling in a professional is the next step. While it will be more expensive the peace of mind may be well worth it.

Sometimes the problem is that the exterior of the home was not waterproofed. In this situation there can be an easy fix and a more complicated one. If the walls of the room are damp, the DIY approach can payoff quickly. The owner simply needs to go and purchase a special waterproofing paint found at most local home improvement stores. Several coats of this sealant often fixes the issue.

If the problem is on the exterior, then the time and expense increases. Frequently the area of ground surrounding the entire home has to be dug out. Then a special paint is applied in several coats. After the paint dries, a rubber membrane is adhered to the basement wall. The dirt is put back in place and the problem is solved.

Basement waterproofing is an important step in maintaining a home. Thus, knowing how to handle potential issues is a must. These simple tips are great way to ensure that potential problems are addressed.

Author Bio: Waterproofing Solutions offer a vast array of services to help improve the condition of your home. For basement waterproofing as well as other wet basement repair solutions, check them out today.

Category: Home Management
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