Why Should I Waterproof a Finished Basement?
Whether your basement is unfinished or finished, water infiltration can still pose a threat. With a finished basement, there is the added risk that water can damage furniture, flooring, and more. As such, waterproofing an unfinished basement and waterproofing a finished basement are both excellent ideas to protect your home and investment. With that in mind, the team at Perma Dry Michigan is here with this quick guide on waterproofing basements and its benefits.
Waterproofing Basement Walls Before Finishing — The Benefits
It’s important to understand the benefits of waterproofing an unfinished basement, too. Basements rest on the main concrete slab foundation of your house. Concrete is porous, so it can absorb any water that leaks into your basement and under the floor.
Water infiltration can cause your foundation to crack and shift, which may compromise the structural integrity of your home. Fixing slab damage is time-consuming and expensive, so your best option is to avoid slab damage in the first place.
Waterproofing your basement floors and walls keeps water out of your foundation and also prevents basement flooding. As such, dampness prevention is a smart and affordable investment that can prevent needing expensive repairs.
Waterproofing an Already Finished Basement — Is It Worth It?
What about if you waterproof a finished basement? Do already finished basements need the extra protection?
The answer is yes; moisture control from waterproofing a finished basement is absolutely worth the cost. Waterproofing a finished basement not only protects your foundation but also preserves any expensive modifications you make.
Water spots and damage can wreak havoc on basement drywall, cause installed flooring to buckle and bulge, and damage any furniture. Finishing your basement is a big investment that can increase your home resale value, and you don’t want some water damage getting in the way of those returns.
Finished Basement After Waterproofing — The Results
One of the major benefits of waterproofing your basement is the peace of mind it can bring. Detroit gets a high amount of rainfall each year, so seasonal flooding is a relatively common occurrence. With the additional basement protection of waterproofing, you won’t have to worry about the weather as much.
Waterproofing also protects the ROI from finishing your basement. According to HGTV, finishing a basement has an astoundingly high ROI of 86% — so protecting it with affordable waterproofing treatments is worth the money.
Moreover, basement waterproofing itself can increase resale values. According to Angi, waterproofing your basement recoups an average of 30% of the cost when you sell.
What’s the Risk of Not Waterproofing My Finished Basement?
Some people asking, “Should I waterproof my basement?” may decide not to. However, that can lead to consequences down the line.
The main risk of not waterproofing your basement is damaging any finish and possibly damaging your concrete foundation. Flooding can also make your basement unusable, which can be a major inconvenience for your family. Cleaning up flooding can take days to even weeks, depending on the scope and scale of the damage.
If you use your basement for storage or work, water can damage important documents and equipment. Fortunately, waterproofing is a simple method to significantly mitigate flooding risk.
What’s the Cost to Waterproof an Already Finished Basement?
The cost to waterproof your basement will depend on its size, materials used, and layout. For instance, a single-room open layout basement will take less time and money to complete. Conversely, basements with multiple rooms and fixtures will take more time and money.
If you are planning a budget for waterproofing your basement, feel free to contact Perma Dry Michigan for a free estimate! We’ll assess your situation, considering any unique features of your basement, and then provide you with an estimate tailored to your situation.
Perma Dry Michigan — Your Local Expert in Basement Waterproofing
Do you need an experienced contractor to waterproof a finished basement? If so, the experts at Perma Dry Michigan are here to help. Our team has over two decades of experience providing top-tier waterproofing services. We can assess your situation and provide a custom solution that fits your unique needs. Our company values of honesty and integrity shape every project we work on!
Contact us online or call today at (734) 800-1355 to schedule a free estimate!
