You have this beautiful home and you want to utilize as much space as possible. Maybe you’re thinking of finishing your basement into a playroom for the kids, a theatre room, or a spare bedroom for visiting guests. Finishing your basement is a great way to add additional living space.
The reasons for the finishing your basement are many. Understandably, no one should try to finish a basement with standing water on the floor, and clearly, you should first locate any leaks. No matter the reasons, Toledo Basement Repair knows it is important to protect your family from damp, mold, and mildew that might set up in a basement area if improperly finished. Most people follow the rules on insulating their basements from water, but mistakes are made.
To keep your new living space dry, there are a few thing to try before work on finishing your basement.
What To Do Before Finishing Your Basement
1. Check local building requirements – Building codes are the law, so before starting any new project, make sure you are in sync with building codes. Also, cover pipes, and leave space for electrical repairs.
2. Locate leaks – Look for cracks. Use a pressurized nozzle to force water into cracks and search for likely places for leaks. It is easier to see cracks in an unfinished basement. Also, inside the basement, check for moisture, even if it is not visible.
Lay a piece of plastic material on the floor when trying to waterproof. Moisture will accumulate above the plastic if the basement needs dehumidifying. If the surface material gets damp underneath, the floor needs sealant. So, we recommend you leak-proof a basement carefully to keep the headaches caused by mold mitigation down.
Also, check wood window frames and ceiling joists for rot. Another thing to heck for are sagging floors. The ground soaks up rain, snow, and a lot of other things. It also harbors insects that might work their way through the crevices of mortar and brick.
3. Check for Radon – Before you finish your basement, check for radon. Radon gas is a gas emitted from the soil that can cause cancer. This gas forms naturally when radium, uranium, and thorium mix. It secretes through cracks into the home. It is odorless and colorless. Also, check heating systems to assure there are no ventilation problems that might cause carbon monoxide problems.
4. Look for water resistant materials – There are numerous ways to keep water out of a basement by using the correct materials. A combination of waterproofing materials may be required.
5. Make sure your materials are correct for the job – Now that you have located leaks, using inside and outside waterproofing materials will assist in stopping the problem. Repairing footing drains, plug gaps, and adding gutters will help. If necessary, reshape the terrain.
6. Remove water – If needed, use a sump pump.
Let Toledo Basement Repair get the job done for you.
Toledo Basement Repair solves basement mold mitigation problems and waterproofing problems quickly and efficiently. If you’re planning a basement remodel, call us first to ensure your new living space stays healthy and dry.