Basement waterproofing may not be the number one thing on your mind right now. You’re busy putting food on the table, getting the kids ready for school, or pursuing your own passions. Whatever it is you love, basement waterproofing usually doesn’t take the top spot until something goes wrong.

But by putting off basement waterproofing until a critical moment, you risk much worse headaches down the line. Energy bills go up first, then the foundation repair costs start creeping in. You may lose valuable possessions to mold, mildew, and water damage along the way.

If you’re a Michigan homeowner, basement waterproofing is absolutely a smart and potentially life-saving investment. Here are the top risks of delaying this valuable service.

Mold and Mildew Damage

Mold spores thrive in damp, dark places—like just about any basement in Michigan that isn’t properly waterproofed. As mold and mildew spores spread throughout your walls, floors, and timbers, they can cause weak spots in the walls and foundations. 

Unfortunately, once mold and mildew have taken hold, getting rid of it isn’t generally as easy as giving it a good scrub with soap and water. Parts of your home’s structure that have been invaded by mold and mildew usually must be replaced entirely. And even if you do bleach the surface mold away, it will return without proper waterproofing. 

Not only are these types of repairs costly and time-consuming, they present real hazards to your home’s structural integrity—and your family’s health.

Health Problems 

Mold and mildew can cause serious health problems for anyone living in your home. Even a small amount of mold in your basement releases spores into the air that can aggravate allergies and cause even more severe health concerns like respiratory issues, nosebleeds, skin infections, and even mood disorders.

Even the added humidity in poorly insulated basements can aggravate health issues. If any of your family members sleep in the basement, they are likely to experience poor sleep quality. However, any prolonged amount of time in a too-humid environment can lead to chronic skin and throat irritation.

Foundation Damage

Foundation damage is the number one risk you face if you don’t waterproof your basement. Moisture can cause the foundation to leak and shift, leading to cracks and weakened structures that threaten your home’s ability to remain standing. Rust and wood rot can affect various structures in your home as well.

In the wild and wet Midwest, basements are vulnerable to flooding, especially if foundations are already weakened by constant water exposure. Waterproofing your basement is one of the best preventative measures you can take against costly foundation repairs.

Other Structural Damage

Your foundation isn’t the only structure in your home that can be affected by too much moisture in the basement. Sump pumps can overflow, leading to damaged flooring, overworked sump pump motors, and even electrical shortages. 

Because basement moisture and flooding can pose a threat to larger plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems in your home, you’re putting yourself at risk of extensive repairs—and potentially losing the items in your home that are most sentimental and valuable to you.

Avoiding Cascade Failures

Excess moisture in your basement is a recipe for trouble, and in Michigan, there’s no avoiding it without proper basement waterproofing services. 

Instead of leaving your home vulnerable to dank, mildewy smells at best and whole foundation repair at worst, make the smart investment. Call the experts at Foundation Solutions 360 to find out how we can help protect your time, money, and livelihood with basement waterproofing. 

Foundation Solutions 360: Strong Foundations for Safe Families

Veteran-owned and family-operated, Foundation Solutions 360 is ready to put our decades of experience to work for your family’s foundation repair, crawl-space repair, or basement waterproofing needs. If you live in the Metro Detroit, Southern Michigan, or Northern Ohio area, call us at 855-532-5360 or contact us here for a free quote.