FAQs About Pre-Renovation Basement Waterproofing

Do you have plans to turn your unfinished basement into a game room or entertainment space? If this indoor area has moisture issues or leaks, take a look at what you need to know about pre-renovation waterproofing services.

Why Does Your Basement Leak?

Before you can correct the water issue, you need to know where the dampness or leak begins. If you don't know why your basement leaks (or accumulates excess moisture), you can't completely solve the problem. This can result in a repeat leak after your renovation is complete. While water in an unfinished basement isn't desirable, a leak in a finished room can damage furniture, flooring, and more.

The most common causes of basement leaks and moisture issues include:

• Backfill and grading. Backfill can settle and create a grade that slopes towards your home. This allows rainwater or melted snow to move towards (and into) your basement.

• Patio problems. Soil isn't the only material that can slope towards your home. A concrete or brock patio can settle into this type of slope, which also allows water to enter the basement. Along with patio slope, cracks in the concrete can allow water to get into the area underneath.

• Downspout discharge. Your home's gutters aren't anywhere near the basement. But these roof-related additions can contribute to a wet basement — if the downspouts empty near the basement.

• Indoor humidity. Some basement water issues have nothing to do with leaks. High humidity levels can leave walls, ceilings, and floors damp.

If you're not sure why you have water or moisture in your basement, contact a professional. A basement waterproofing company can do more than restore the area and prevent future problems. This type of contractor can also inspect the indoor and outdoor areas to assess potential trouble spots.

How Can You Correct the Water Issue?

After the contractor diagnoses the water problem in your basement, take the next step and correct it before you begin any basement renovation. Failure to stop the water right now can add extra time to the renovations, turn progress around, or damage your new room.

The type of waterproofing your basement needs depends on several factors. These include:

• The source of the water. An exterior slope issue requires regrading, while a downspout problem could require drainage changes.

• Interior options. Along with remediating the main problem, you may need to add waterproofing to the indoor area — especially if you think the leak or issue may happen again. A French drain and sump pump can catch and remove water that sneaks or leaks into your basement.

• The need for exterior sealants. The basement water proofer may need to apply a sealant to your home’s exterior weak points. This can stop leaks and prevent new ones.

Along with these factors, your overall home improvement budget is part of the decision-making process. Waterproofing solutions are available at different price points. Discuss your budget with the waterproofing contractor before deciding on one method.

What Type of Time-Line Should You Create?



You need a basement waterproofing service before the renovation begins. But can you start the demolition first? To create a logical (and economical) time-line for your basement project, consider:

• The overall changes. Will you need to jackhammer the floor? If you'll remove significant portions of your basement, the demolition phase is the ideal time to place a French drain or similar waterproofing structure.

• The results. Will the waterproofing service keep the moisture out? Test the success of the waterproofing method before you add new flooring, drywall, or anything else.

• The renovation progress. Did you decide to put off the basement remodel until the warmer weather arrives? This doesn't mean you should wait for the waterproofing service.

Whether it's the rainy season or the snow is about to melt, the sooner you waterproof your basement the lower the risk of damage.

Are you ready to waterproof your home? Contact Central Penn Waterproofing for more information.