Are you experiencing a damp, leaky basement? You’re not alone, and we understand the need to clean up the mess and create a clean environment in your home. Many homeowners in Louisville, KY, deal with the same problem, so here at Aqua Lock, we decided to create a guide that preps and prepares you for the process of basement waterproofing. In today’s blog post, we’ll take you through the steps you need to follow to prepare your home for basement waterproofing, how long the process will take, and what you can expect before and after the process. So, sit back, relax, let’s dig in.
What Is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing is basically a process that involves the installation of a barrier around your basement’s perimeter to prevent water from seeping through your home at the base walls and floors. If you notice mold or mildew in your home, then basement waterproofing is necessary to prevent a range of problems, such as mold, foundation damage, and loss of value in your home. Waterproofing makes sure that your basement is dry and comfortable. The process takes around three days, and it involves care and precision.
An Overview of the Process:
- Our professionals will first dig a ditch around your basement perimeter.
- Basement waterproofing sometimes requires drilling to release trapped water.
- Pipes and new drainage systems may be installed around your basement perimeter.
- Installation of a sump pump to remove access water and redirect it.
- Fresh concrete layers will level out and situate the pipes.
By the time we are done with your basement, you will be in awe, and your house will look the same but feel much cleaner. Now, let’s get to the prepping because if you have mold in your basement, it’s time to get to work.
Let’s Prepare Your Basement for Waterproofing
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and get your basement waterproofed. Congratulations! Now, it’s time to get everything ready for the professionals to come in and do their work. This is your opportunity to plan ahead, so take notes; let’s get this home in order together.
Clean and Clear the Floor
Start by removing all furniture and belongings from your basement floor. This will give professionals the room they need to do their job properly. To protect your belongings, cover them with plastic sheets or tarps before putting them away. Next, it’s essential to make sure your basement floor is clean and debris-free. Sweep and mop the area thoroughly to get rid of any lingering dirt or dust.
While you’re down there, it’s also a good idea to check for any cracks in the walls or floor. It’s a good idea to mark each spot with a piece of tape and let your basement waterproofing team know.
Locate Your Utilities
Next, it’s time to identify and locate any electrical, plumbing, or gas utilities at risk of damage during the waterproofing process. This is an important step in the process that ensures safety and keeps everyone aware of any hazards. Take your waterproofing team around the perimeter of your entire house and show them where the garden hose, your electrical boxes, and your HVAC units are.
Clear the Walls
It’s time to take down the chandeliers and dust off the photo frames because you will need to clear everything from your basement walls. You will need to create a blank pallet so that the professionals can cover your walls with waterproofing materials and restore your basement.
Check Your Basement Drainage System
Another important step is to check your drainage system. Your basement’s drainage should be up to par before you start waterproofing it. Begin this step by checking the bathrooms and kitchen for any signs of water build-up or drainage leaks. If you find any, it’s best to address them first. Fix those leaky pipes so that everything stays nice and dry after the waterproofing.
At Aqua Lock, our team will thoroughly investigate your basement for you. We’ll also talk to you about installing a sump pump or a drainage system to ensure any water build-up is efficiently pumped away.
When installing any drainage system in the basement, make sure to check all the components regularly for any signs of damage or wear. If these are ignored, it could lead to problems later on, and we are here to nip them in the bud, not leave on the leaky faucet.
Expecting and Prepping for Dust
Waterproofing can create a lot of dust and debris. Take a deep breath because your home is going to be a construction zone for the next three days— this, too, shall pass. You will get your home back to normal in no time, but in the meantime, to avoid any messes and ensure safety for everyone, let’s go over some tips.
Cover Your Belongings
If you have any furniture or valuables near the waterproofing zone, make sure to cover them up! This will prevent dust and debris from accumulating on your decor and make you very happy once everything is back to normal and waterproofed.
Safety First
If you are going to come near the construction zone or go into your basement during the process, make sure you protect yourself! Wear protective gear like a dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves, and keep your children and pets at bay. If you have cats, birds, or other animals in the home, it’s a good idea to secure them in another room that is not being waterproofed.
Turn Off Your HVAC
During the waterproofing process, it’s important to turn off your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It’s best to close all the vents in order to avoid having dust particles being circulated throughout your house. Check these two things off your list and stop dust from circulating while the Aqua Lock team is hard at work.
Contact Aqua Lock in Louisville, KY, and Get Your Basement Waterproofed Today!
Basement waterproofing is essential for the quality of your home. If you are dealing with mold or mildew, then it’s time to call in the professionals! Don’t worry because this won’t take us long, and you are in good hands.
We hope you feel ready and prepared to handle your basement situation with ease. We hope you find comfort in these steps to prepare your home for the professionals to come out and get to work. So go ahead and start covering up that furniture and removing the chandeliers.
Follow our easy-to-understand guide above, and you’ll be on your way to having a comfortable and moisture-free basement. And remember, don’t hesitate to contact Aqua Lock for your basement waterproofing needs. Let us help you keep your basement dry and valuables safe.
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