Photo by Stephanie Ho from Pexels
The basement is an important part of your home, even if you do not initially think about it that way. In many homes, it is where some of your most expensive appliances are held and where the circuit board is located. It is also where you probably store any of your personal belongings, and it is important to keep your basement in the best condition possible. If experts determine that there are gaps between your walls and floor because of moisture issues in your basement or crawl space, they’ll recommend foundation waterproofing. Complete foundation waterproofing involves a combination of multiple solutions.
1. Water-Proof the Basement
Many basements are prone to flooding when the worst weather moves through. Heavy rainfall can leave a few inches of water or more on the floor of your basement, which can lead to damages. The water damage can cause cracked foundations, electrical shortages, damaged floors, cracked walls, and even the growth of mold and mildew in your home. It is important to waterproof your basement before these damages occur in your home and you have higher costs coming for the repairs to be made. Water coming from the basement where walls meet the floor. When water builds up in the soil surrounding the foundation and pushes against the walls, seeping through any openings, the only way to counter this is by installing an interior or exterior drain tile system.
Start by purchasing a basement waterproof sealer that can repair any cracks or any holes that are within the surroundings of your basement. This will help to prevent water from even getting into the basement in the first place so that exterior water may not cause any problem at all. Consider having a plumber inspect the piping in your home as well so that a cracked pipe does not cause the water damage aforementioned. He or she can repair any small leaks, can place insulation around your pipes, and can ensure that everything is working as it should.
2. Make it Functional
Even if you have an unfinished basement, it can still prove to be a functional space for you and your family. You can start by even making your unfinished basement look attractive, especially if you have a pool table, a wet bar, or other amenities downstairs. Add a covering to the basement floor that can make your space much cleaner and more attractive for visitors who do come to your home. Add epoxy over the flooring that can help prevent water damage or moisture from collecting, which can cause the concrete to crack over time.
Your basement can also be functional by adding attractive storage solutions to it rather than just dumping your belongings wherever they wind up downstairs. Have dedicated areas for everything that goes in the basement so that it is organized just like the rest of your home should be and so you can find your belongings. Consider adding shelving units into your basement so you have a place to keep these storage bins and anything else that is downstairs. Add labels if you want to know exactly where everything is in your basement when you go downstairs to look for something.
Horizontal foundation cracks are usually caused by hydrostatic pressure. When the soil around the foundation gets saturated with water that can’t drain off, hydrostatic pressure builds up and exerts a tremendous force against foundation walls. The good news is horizontal foundation cracks can almost always be repaired.
3. Add Ambiance
As mentioned above, you want to make your basement feel functional, but you also want to add a certain ambiance to it. This is especially true if you do plan to entertain guests downstairs whether that be by the pool table or by hanging out in the man cave. Many basements are dark and do not have the lighting that they need to feel welcome to your guests and to invite others in. Install lamps and ceiling lights downstairs that can freshen up the mood even just a little bit, or even consider LED strips.
Do not be afraid to add furniture to your basement either, especially if you have already taken the steps that you need to keep your basement waterproof. Add a few stools or chairs around the pool table, or install a bar and add stools that can sit against the bar. Put in a projector and a sofa if you want to have movie nights in the basement when you are in the mood to entertain others. Even consider adding a small table for individuals to enjoy food and drinks when they are coming over to your home to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
A basement does not have to be the ignored area of your home. It can be a welcoming space where you can entertain others if you take the upgrades above to the next level. Take th time to make your basement safe for others by weather-proofing it, and make it welcoming by adding functionality and ambiance.