Finishing your basement may have been at the top of your priority list when you originally purchased your house and if this is the year you plan to do it, make sure you do it right the first time to save money and heartache in the future. Exposed foundation tells you the story of the past and the future of your basement. Small [foundation cracks]may seem harmless, especially if you’ve never experienced extreme water from rapid thaws, heavy rains, or plumbing bursts; all of which can severely flood your basement. Many homeowners make the dire mistake of ignoring these cracks which may appear small and innocent but have the potential to cause major basement water damage. In the folly of better judgment, perhaps hoping to save time or money, proceeding with finishing your basement despite the discovery of foundation cracks will result in basement flood damage, it’s only a matter of time.
Repairing foundation cracks before you finish your basement is critical to preventing future water damage. Filling these cracks from the inside is only a temporary solution; professional basement waterproofing companies will always repair the cracks from the source; outside your foundation wall. Digging a trench outside your house and exposing the foundation wall will allow for proper inspection of cracks, many of which may only be visible from the outside. Professional basement waterproofing will involve fixing the cracks from the outside and reinforcing your foundation to prevent further cracks. This may also include updating your home’s water drainage system to prevent excess water from pooling close to your home’s foundation.
If you suspect for any reason that your foundation has cracks, make sure to hire a professional to conduct a thorough inspection of your foundation. If foundation cracks are discovered, they need to be addressed properly before you begin finishing your basement. Noticing things like sloping floors in your basement, doors not shutting properly, or water seepage, are all signs that you have unseen foundation cracks. It will be very difficult to fix cracks in your foundation once your basement is finished which is why doing the repairs before you start finishing your basement is critical. Avoiding this step will require the removal of new drywall once the damage has been done. This is not only time-consuming and costly, but for many homeowners watching their ‘finished’ basement come apart can be a devastating experience. Do yourself a huge favor by fixing the foundation cracks properly before you finish your basement; you and your family will be able to enjoy your newly finished basement for years to come without the worry of a basement flood. Only trust professional basement waterproofing companies with a verifiable track record.
