Can you Waterproof your Basement in the Summer?

When summer storms roll in and your basement is suddenly flooded, you might worry that you waited too late to waterproof your basement. Don’t worry! Summer may actually be the very best time of year to get the job done, for several reasons.

• First, when you first notice a leak, that’s the best time to get the basement waterproofed. Left to their own devices, leaks will get worse, and with heavy summer rains, your foundation can develop cracks. As rain continues to erode the surrounding area, and water puts more pressure on your foundation, those cracks will get bigger.
• Waterproofing is easier in warmer weather. For one thing, it’s easier to dig into the ground when it’s not hardened by the cold. Then, too, waterproofing will dry and cure faster when the temperature is hotter.
• Remember, winter has storms, too! Even if the problem in your basement is small, it’s best to tackle it now, before the severe winter weather hits and causes more trouble.

It’s important to note that waterproofing your basement isn’t just about not having water in your basement. It’s also about protecting your foundation. Your foundation is, well, foundational to the structural integrity of your home. Allowing it to sustain damage can impede its ability to support the weight of your house. When the ground around your home becomes saturated with water, it expands and puts tremendous pressure on your foundation. When this happens, it can cause leaks in your basement, but it can also cause cracks in your foundation and in the walls. Your walls may begin to bow, and the floors throughout your home may become damaged. Eventually, your home may even begin to sink. Waterproofing your basement is an easier fix than repairing a damaged foundation.

A leaky basement is a health hazard, too. Mold growth is a real problem in a leaky basement, as is mildew. Mold and mildew are unattractive, and they smell musty. Worse, they aggravate respiratory symptoms, especially in people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Mold can spread quickly, too, damaging your floors, walls, ceilings, carpets, furniture, and other belongings. Getting rid of mold often requires the services of a mold remediation specialist. A smarter move would be to prevent the mold in the first place by having your basement waterproofed.

If your basement needs waterproofing, Reliable Basement Services can help. A family-owned and operated company, we’ve served the greater Chicagoland area for more than ten years. We offer a full spectrum of basement services, charging reasonable rates for work that includes crack repairs, sump pump systems, basement waterproofing, basement windows, and floor repair. Our consistently high standards have made us an award-winning Chicago basement waterproofing contractor and earned us thousands of satisfied customers all over Chicago. For more information, call (630) 318-4888 or visit our website for a free quote.