Get matched with top basement waterproofing pros in Nesmith, SC

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

One handy thing about whole-house dehumidifiers is, once installed, you don’t have to worry about placement or changing the dehumidifier’s position. But if you are using a portable dehumidifier, we suggest keeping it away from walls, vents, and furniture. It needs a central, unobstructed spot with access to lots of air to do its job.

Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they’ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.

Ductwork sweats due to a temperature difference between the air inside the ducts and the surrounding air, similar to how a cold drink develops condensation in the heat. This sweating is a sign that your HVAC system is not operating at peak efficiency. The best way to keep ductwork from sweating is to wrap it in proper insulation, which also improves your system's energy efficiency. Another option is to close off your crawl space and install a dehumidifier to dry the air and lower its dew point.