Summer-Proofing Your Basement

4 Reasons to Waterproof Your Basement This Summer

Originally posted 07/11/2017. Updated and republished 6/1/22.

In the Upstate region, we experience our fair share of summer heat and humidity. And where there are extreme temperatures, there’s a very good chance that something else is lurking in your basement: moisture.

Water Damage Repair Services

Moisture is no doubt a homeowner’s worst nightmare. 98% of U.S. basements will experience water damage at some point in a house’s lifetime. It’s a staggering statistic and one that we at Thompson Brothers want to remedy one home at a time.

Summer is a great time to protect your home from the damage that moisture can cause. Here are a few reasons to consider basement waterproofing this season.

1. Mold and mildew

Summer rains and groundwater can seep through existing wall cracks or joints. High temps also increase humidity in your basement. Just one of these factors alone can encourage mold growth, which can begin just 24 to 48 hours after moisture enters your home. Mold can cause severe allergic reactions and respiratory problems. The presence of mold can also lower the value of your property.

2. Flooding

In South Carolina and North Carolina, we see our fair share of rain during the summer. This can cause significant water buildup in the basement of your home. Flooding is one of the most destructive natural disasters in America, causing billions of dollars in losses each year. According to data from FEMA, the annual cost of flood damage in the U.S. was approximately $17 billion between 2010 and 2018. Additionally, just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home! Waterproofing your basement will allow protection from all levels of moisture, from a summer shower to an unexpected flash flood.

Waterproof your basement

3. Foundation Cracking and Instability

Picture this: it’s been a rainy summer day and moisture gets trapped in the small, porous surfaces of your basement’s foundation. As seasonal temperatures rise and fall over time, the foundation itself will expand and contract. This cycle can cause cracks in your foundation, jeopardizing the stability and integrity of your home. While it can be unsightly from a cosmetic standpoint, more importantly, it can be a health and safety hazard.

4. Energy Costs

In the summer, a moist basement can increase humidity levels in the home. This increase causes energy bills to skyrocket, as it takes more energy to keep your home cool. However, it's not just a summer problem. In the winter, cracks in your foundation can cause cool air to seep in, also costing more to maintain a comfortable home temperature.

Waterproofing your basement this summer can prevent water, mold, foundation damage and year-round energy costs from getting out of control. At Thompson Brothers, we are proud to serve you with trained experts to waterproof your basement and foundation to minimize costly repairs.

Contact Thompson Brothers today to set up a summer waterproofing plan for your basement or crawlspace.

Request a Free Estimate

Sources

1. iProperty Management, Water Damage Statistics
2. Insurance Information Institute, Facts + Statistics: Flood Insurance
3. FloodSmart.gov, The Cost of Flooding