HOW LONG DOES BASEMENT WATERPROOFING LAST?
A flooded basement can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. On top of having to pay for any repairs and future protection against flooding, you also have to deal with the logistics of finding basement waterproofing that is best for your location and situation. There are a variety of basement waterproofing options available, but you don’t want to pick a system without knowing how long it will last.
WHAT IS BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Before you choose a basement waterproofing solution, it’s a good idea to understand what basement waterproofing is to help you decide what is the best option for you and your family. It is a common misconception that basement waterproofing will completely stop all water from getting into your basement ever again. Rather, basement waterproofing is the method of managing water leaks that might sneak in through the cracks. To achieve a truly “waterproofed” basement, waterproofing is just the first step. Preventing water from getting into your basement after that will help extend your basement waterproofing efforts and protect your investment in the future.
DIFFERENT BASEMENT WATERPROOFING METHODS
There are several different systems for basement waterproofing. Sumps pumps and french drains help to keep water away from your basement while encapsulation or a moisture barrier helps to keep your basement clean and dry once the water has been fully removed. Removing the water as soon as it becomes an issue will help protect your basement from growing mold and mildew or developing structural problems that are even more difficult to fix.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps work to keep water out of your basement by draining any existing water and sending it somewhere else that isn’t your home. Sump pumps are just one side of basement waterproofing efforts; while they don’t keep water out of your basement, they do help with keeping water from accumulating to the point of developing serious health hazards or damage.
French Drains
A french drain is another great method for collecting water and keeping it away. When placed outside your home, a french drain can direct groundwater away from your foundation and prevent it from seeping in through any cracks in your foundation. Inside, french drains work similarly to sump pumps in that they don’t entirely prevent water from getting into your basement but instead direct any existing water to another place.
Crawlspace Encapsulation
In most cases, crawl space encapsulation is more common, but encapsulation can also be done for basements. Encapsulation works as a barrier to keep water from getting into your basement.
HOW LONG DOES BASEMENT WATERPROOFING LAST?
The important thing to remember about basement waterproofing is that there’s no single right answer. Basement waterproofing lasts as long as the materials and efforts put into it. Depending on the issues causing water in your basement, like basement wall cracks, you may need multiple basement waterproofing systems to help combat the water issue. Constantly exposing any system to wear and tear over time will shorten its lifespan, which is why it’s so important to use systems together to lighten the load on just one system.
Many systems and products also have some kind of warranty ranging anywhere from 10 to 25 years. Ask your contractor about the warranties available for the systems you choose. While a warranty doesn’t guarantee that a certain system is going to be foolproof, it does protect you in the event of something going wrong.
Contact My Foundation Repairs today to get a free quote for basement waterproofing. We can help you determine the best system, different remedy options, and what is best for your family’s budget and situation.