Three Factors That Influences the Cost for Your Basement Waterproofing

The basement is an important part of a building, located partially or entirely below the ground level. Most of the time, these places are used for storing unnecessary items. This area offers a wide range of options to the building owners when it comes to its utilization. This can be designed to fulfill several needs. People can turn their basement into a fitness room, a little entertaining room, a chilling area, or a game console. Also, if anyone needs privacy while working, they can create a home office in their basement. Besides serving these universal roles, the basement has another important job which is to ensure the structural stability of the building. The parts of the foundation especially the walls and the floors are crucial parts of the basement. This is the reason why experts suggest careful construction of the basement to increase the lifespan of the entire building. However, this place is susceptible to many risk factors that may affect the entire structural stability of the building. One such common risk involves water seeping into the basement and weakening the foundation. Let’s take a look at why basement waterproofing is important, 

Why Should You Choose Basement Waterproofing?

Since the basement is located underground, it makes the place vulnerable to several aggressors. Besides bearing the pressure from its surrounding ground, the basement often faces water seepage and moisture penetration. This may stimulate the mold and mildew to form and spread rapidly across the premises. Besides weakening the foundation, strength of the materials, it significantly degrades the atmosphere of the building. This is the reason why waterproofing the basement area is so crucial. The basement waterproofing costs in Philadelphia or any other place varies on a few factors. Let’s take a look at those price influencing factors below, 

Factors That Influences The Waterproofing Cost?

  1. The Layout & Size Of Your Basement 

The first thing that a professional basement waterproofing contractor considers is the size of the basement. They calculate the drainage cost based on the basement’s linear footage. This isn’t similar to square footage. It’s because square footage is calculated for painting or flooring purposes. These things should be kept on hold until the basement is ready and dry. 

Also, the existing layout can increase the cost of basement waterproofing. In case, the previous owner didn’t finish the waterproofing of the basement area, then one has to clean the entire mess before starting the work. The entire flooring and drywall might have to be removed to find the water source. This demolition and waterproofing may increase the price of a professional. However, people should also check that the contractor is following all the best practices for basement waterproofing.

  • The Age of the Building 

The age of the building also plays an important role when it comes to estimating the price for waterproofing of the basement area. Generally, the houses that are built after the 1960s are less expensive for waterproofing. It’s because these buildings were designed in a strategic way where they have the footer component which allows the contractors to rest the water tunnel on top of it. This lowers the cost of waterproofing as the cost for installing a basement drainage system decreases in this system. The older houses which were built before the year 1960 often don’t have a footer. Also, they have a thin flooring of concrete. These variations increase the intricacy of the work and escalate the price range. 

  • The Materials of Waterproofing 

There’s a wide range of options available when it comes to choosing the type of waterproofing materials for a basement. The most popular form of basement waterproofing materials is bitumen. This is because this material is found most effective as water barriers used in any construction industry. The professionals use other types of materials depending on the specifications of the house. This is the reason why it’s important to find an expert to conduct the job. After all, he should possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of waterproofing materials. Let’s take a look at the different types of waterproofing materials available, 

  • Concrete Coatings: Concrete waterproofing is one of the popular types of waterproofing materials. These feature easy appliances, elasticity, durability, and long-term protections. These concrete coatings have the ability to form hydro insulation which resists water pressure. So, for different types of construction elements and premises, concrete coatings are found effective for waterproofing the basement. 
  • Silicate-Based Sealers: Silicate-based sealers are a durable form of waterproofed film. These ensure good adhesion to the building’s concrete and stick to the surface to provide a good barrier against water leakage. 
  • Waterproof Paint: Sometimes the contractors choose this option to create a strong barrier against condensation moisture. Waterproof paint doesn’t help to protect the basement against water though. But, it can be pretty effective to prevent mold and mildew. 

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