"Kent has done everything he has said he would do along with give us some improvement suggestions that would either make the project better or save us some money."
Living in a finished basement is acceptable, but only if the space has the proper points of egress and includes smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to ensure the safety of the occupants. A good way to ensure your finished basement is suitable for use as living space is to get the basement finishing project properly permitted.
If you set up a dehumidifier, it will usually dry out your wet crawl space within 12 to 24 hours. Once the space is dry, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to keep it dry. These include installing a French drain or other exterior foundation drainage system, installing a sump pump in the crawl space, and installing a vapor barrier in addition to leaving the dehumidifier running.
Regular inspections, proper drainage management, and ensuring soil stability help prevent future settlement issues.
Many prevention methods can be used individually or in combination to waterproof your basement. Some of the most common waterproofing methods include:
Using dehumidifiers
Silicate concrete sealers
Vapor barriers
Baseboard channels
Drain tile systems
Waterproofing paint
Drainage systems
Epoxy injection
Interior French drains
Exterior excavation and waterproofing
Cement waterproofing
Weep tiles
Liquid membrane
Sheet membrane
Yard grading
Gutters and downspouts
If a crawl space isn’t vented, there can be moisture buildup, which can lead to mold damage, easily destroying the foundation of your home. A closed-off crawl space can trap heat, which can be useful in the winter, but can also trap dangerous gases and prevent clean air from entering the home through the floorboards.
The Chevak, AK homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.
Dealing with a damp basement? Follow these steps for DIY basement waterproofing to keep water and moisture out and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.