Basement Waterproofing For Older Homes
There’s a charming appeal to generational homes. While the architecture might not have the slick sharp lines that modern homes do, there’s something to be said about that rustic appeal of yesteryear. Classic, antique buildings deserve a certain level of care, and with a few improvements and upgrades your beloved home can be a showstopper once again.
If you own an older home, you know how frustrating it can be to take care of your basement and crawlspaces. Older homes have specific characteristics and charm, but as homes age, they require a bit more care and attention, not to mention the upkeep and maintenance required to maintain that nostalgic craftsmanship.
Your basement should be a place you want to spend time in, a place for storage, family gatherings, watching TV, or setting up a good old-fashioned bar. When the seasons change and the heavy rains come, your basement can become moist and damp, or even flood. This makes it less than desirable for storage, and a sticking point in your otherwise lovely home. The state of your basement can be a source of grief, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Basement waterproofing is the best way to transform your basement and get the most out of your antique home.
Should I Waterproof My Older Home?
If you’ve owned your home for years or even decades, you might be wondering what the point of waterproofing your basement is. There are plenty of “quick fixes” you can employ that might temporarily stave off moisture, mold, and flooding, but it won’t instill the confidence and peace of mind that a full waterproofing service will.
Older homes are well-loved, but that means they’ve been lived in extensively. They require different services, materials, and attention, meaning that you need professional services that ensure they stay in excellent condition. If you have a 100-year-old generational home, you need to be able to trust that the solutions are specific to your home’s structural integrity.
A dry and finished basement increases your home’s total usable square footage. If you’re reconsidering finishing your basement, there are a few things you need to know before you layer the flooring and put up the drywall. Your basement needs to be completely sealed from water intrusion, to ensure that all your hard work wasn’t for nothing. Basements By Burke waterproofing services can help you achieve your basement goals and keep your home safe from water damage. Professional contractors will also do a routine check of your home to ensure that everything is in good shape, and because older homes have time working against them, they have a bigger potential for structural damage. The foundation must be inspected for cracks that could become exacerbated by flooding.
Why Is It More Difficult To Waterproof An Older Home?
In years past, basements were typically used as storage units for food and supplies. The basements in older homes are chiefly designed as ancillary storage, though these days homeowners are more interested in converting their basements into secondary living spaces, guest quarters, or entertainment dens.
Because of this, there are architectural differences between old and new foundations. Older foundations can have issues present that make them more difficult to waterproof; many older basements don’t have concrete wall footings to support their foundations, with floors and walls that aren’t up to modern code. This makes digging out the perimeter of your home a challenge, as it could destabilize your home entirely.
Leaks And Damage In Older Houses
So, what causes the leaks that appear in older homes? Some problems can arise whether your home is old or new, but older homes are more susceptible to these issues:
- Poor foundational grading
- A significant lack of waterproofing components
- Gravel, concrete, or brick foundations
- Intense hydrostatic pressure
- Shifting soil
Flexible Financing Options
Don’t let finances stand between you and a dry basement or crawl space. We offer financing options that can either make your project possible or upgrade your project to the next level. Head over to our Financing page to learn more and request a quote!
How To Waterproof An Older Home
Updating older homes can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to improve your home’s waterproofing capabilities. Because you cannot easily waterproof your home from the outside, you’ll want to take a few important steps to keep your belongings safe, clean, and dry. Some steps are as simple as cleaning out your gutters, while others require a contractor and specialized waterproofing services.
A few ways to help waterproof your home:
- Clean your gutters: If your gutters have gone neglected for a season or two, there’s a good chance you’re risking your home’s structural integrity. When gutters are clogged and rainwater has nowhere to go, it simply pours downward from the gutters and into the perimeter of your home. This means water has a direct path to your home’s foundation, which will create cracks and other foundational damage.
- Redirect your home’s downspouts: Downspouts can shift due to a variety of factors, so ensure you move them back to their original positions regularly. Misdirected downspouts can spray water directly into your home’s foundation, even if you have clean gutters.
- Inspect your foundation: Using the help of a contractor, you can check your home for signs of a damaged foundation. A contractor can tell you how severe the cracks are based on symptoms and a visual reference, plus many basement contractors will offer inspections and quotes for free.
- Utilize temporary sealants: Temporary sealants might be time-sensitive, however they can do a great deal to help direct water away from your home. While this is a short-term solution, it could help you out in the meantime while you wait for the professionals to do their job.
- Consider French drains or sump pumps: If you experience regular and severe leaks during storms and rainfall, you’ll need something a bit more heavy-duty. French drains and sump pumps work together by collecting the leaking water from your basement walls and floor and redirecting this channeled water away into the pump. The water is then pumped out of the basement and away from your home’s foundation, keeping your basement safe and dry.
- Inspect your home for damage: Your basement or foundation might not have any cracks, but if you’re still finding evidence of water damage, you might have leaking window wells. Check the seals on your wells, and if you notice leaking or moisture your local contractor might have to reseal your windows.
Do You Need Waterproofing Services?
Flooding is the number one reason to waterproof your basement. When it comes to older homes, there are unconsidered features from yesteryear that can make your home vulnerable to moisture, flooding, and mold. The basements of older homes might require a little more care and attention than a new basement, including component installation and wall repair.
Moist basements are all too common in the Northeast, but having an unusable basement isn’t something you should consider “normal.” Flooded basements attract pests and become a breeding ground for all sorts of unsavory things, such as algae and irritants. If you’re dealing with mold and mildew season after season, it’s time to consider a change.
Consider Professional Waterproofing Services
Your basement and crawl space is one of the most important aspects of your home, and utilizing waterproofing services is the best way to ensure your home lasts for generations to come. Your basement affects the quality of the air you breathe, your energy bill, and of course your home’s structural integrity.
Basements By Burke has been transforming basements for years, and we are Pennsylvania’s number one home service for a reason. We want to transform your space into a safe, healthy, and usable spot, and to reinforce the natural beauty and integrity of your beloved home. Let’s work together to fix any moisture issues you might have, so that you can enjoy your home as intended and protect what matters for you and your family.
