[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Most people do not realize how important basement waterproofing is until the rainy season sets in and they notice that their basement is damp. This causes mold problems in the basement, which is a health hazard for the family. Luckily, this is quite a common problem and there are several ways to solve it.
Now, having molds in the basement is a scary proposition for most homeowners and the moment they realize there is mold they go into panic mode. Before jumping into the more expensive mold solutions, there are other simpler ways to deal with the problem if it is not severe. Waterproofing your basement can be a simple but effective solution to the dampness and mold problem in your basement. Below are some steps you can follow towards waterproofing your basement.

1. Check on your gutters

Check on your gutters and ensure that there is no clogging in them and that they release the water they collect to a minimum of five feet away from the base of your house. This will make sure that the water runs off and is absorbed into the earth and not let to come back and enter your basement walls through the little cracks and dampen the entire basement. For some houses, this is all the proofing required.

2. Dehumidify

You should consider getting a high quality dehumidifier to remove the water from your basement air and keep the air dry. The dehumidifier will pull out air from your furniture and cloths and dry out the wet spots in the basement helping you keep the mold at bay. This is one of the most important steps you can take towards keeping your basement mold free.

3. Keep the outside out

Try to keep the outside out of your basement. Unless you really need the air, keep the basement windows closed at all times. You need to caulk up all the openings leading to your basement like the pipes, culverts, windows, tubes, trapdoors, and any other connection to the basement. This is to make the dehumidifier�s job easier.

4. Proof painting

After you have taken the measure to dry the basement and you are satisfied that it is, move everything out of there and then proof paint all the walls and ceilings using waterproofing paint. Since the paints are hardly foolproof, you will need to maintain the ventilation techniques mentioned above to keep your basement dry. It is no perfect solution but it is the most you can hope to accomplish without involving a contractor.

5. Wall watchers

After you have taken all the above measures, your next big job is to keep an eye on your walls and check for cracks. Even the smallest crack in the wall can let in water or grow very fast and ruin all the measures you had in place. If you keep seeing cracks in the walls then you should know either you did a lousy job at waterproofing your basement or your house is in a worse condition that you thought. Either way, at this point, you need to call in a professional to handle the situation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]