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Can You Waterproof a Finished Basement?

by Holly Richards-Purpura | Published August 13, 2024

Ohio Basement Authority crew member waterproofing a finished basement

While many new homes have rigorous waterproofing standards for basements, older homes may need waterproofing methods to ward off moisture and water damage. If your finished basement shows signs of water damage, you may be wondering if you can waterproof a finished basement. Fortunately, there are several methods our basement waterproofing specialists use to waterproof finished basements.

Here’s what you need to know about solving your unique basement issues.

Why Waterproof a Finished Basement?

If your basement has humidity and moisture issues, it’s important to resolve them promptly because:

  • Avoiding water issues could present health and safety risks and lead to expensive repairs.
  • Leaks and water damage can decrease your home’s value.
  • Mold can spread and lead to poor air quality, asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses.
  • Your home’s wooden framework can be damaged by chronic moisture, causing structural issues.
  • Unaddressed leaks can ruin your valuables.

Exterior Issues and How to Solve Them

Your foundation and surrounding areas can direct water straight towards your basement. Our team inspects the perimeter of your home for signs of leaks.

5 Typical Exterior Problem Signs

Common signs of exterior foundation problems include:

exterior foundation cracks allowing water to leak inside

Exterior Waterproofing Solutions

Ohio Basement Authority crew member on a ladder inspecting gutters

Common solutions, including footing drains, exterior wall dampproofing, and French drains, often fail and lead to water in your basement. You have the option to replace them, but that’s not going to stop water from damaging your home.

However, you can ensure your gutters and downspouts remain free of clogs and damage and grade your yard so water drains away from your home.

Interior Basement Problems & Their Solutions

Part of Ohio Basement Authority’s extensive evaluation process involves inspecting the basement interior for any issues and pinpointing the cause.

5 Common Interior Issues

Our trained crew inspects your basement for signs of interior water-causing sources, including:

malfunctioning basement sump pump
  • Cracks in basement walls
  • Poor drainage
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Malfunctioning sump pump
  • Excessive humidity from temperature changes

Waterproofing a Basement Interior

crew installing interior drainage and a sump pump in a basement

While tackling exterior problems can seriously mitigate your basement’s leakiness, many exterior waterproofing solutions are disruptive to your yard. In most cases, interior basement waterproofing may be a less invasive solution that still waterproofs your finished basement.

Our interior basement waterproofing solutions are more discreet than exterior solutions and are part of a comprehensive plan that keeps your home dry. They include interior drainage, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers.

Be aware that large leaks and major structural issues may require some finishing removal, including basement walls or floors.

Who to Contact for Waterproofing a Finished Basement

Ohio Basement Authority inspector meeting with a homeowner

Waterproofing a finished basement can be a complex process. That’s why working with a professional basement waterproofing company like Ohio Basement Authority is the best way to ensure your home’s basement remains dry. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s interior and exterior to pinpoint exactly where water is coming from and create a plan tailored to your basement’s needs.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and obtain a no-obligation estimate. When you work with Ohio Basement Authority, you can trust you’re in good hands.

Basement Finishing FAQs

Basement wall waterproofing should be performed before starting the finishing process. This preventative measure protects against moisture seepage, mold, mildew, and wood rot, ensuring your basement remains permanently dry and healthy.

Basement walls, insulation, and utility wiring should be completed first before finishing the floor. This ensures the space remains safe and dry. Our basement finishing experts will ensure building codes and laws are in place before beginning the process.

Some consider basement finishing a DIY project, but we don’t recommend it. Basement finishing requires specialized skills like electrical work, drywalling, and knowledge of your foundation to ensure a long-lasting and safely implemented result.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

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Kent, OH 44240

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