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Deco Ideas and Renovations

Basement and water infiltration: how to minimize the damage

Snowmelt in the spring, cracks in the foundation, a broken washer hose or an overflowing bathtub. The reasons for water damage in a house are varied.

Very often, it is the basement that suffers! In order to put all the chances on your side and minimize the impact, here are some tips:

CHOICE OF MATERIALS AND FURNITURE

Opt for ceramic tiles

When renovating your basement, choose finishing materials that are resistant to water. For floor coverings, ceramic is the champion in this area! If you find it too cold, install a heating system under the floor.

For a warmer look, why not opt for tiles that imitate wood? Otherwise, a marble look will add chic to this space, while protecting it from possible water damage.

Choose vinyl

When renovating your basement, choose finishing materials that are resistant to water. For floor coverings, ceramic is the champion in this area! If you find it too cold, install a heating system under the floor.

Deuxième couvre-sol capable de faire face aux attaques de l’humidité : le vinyle. Bien qu’il ne soit pas invincible, si l’opération nettoyage et drainage est commencée à temps, il ne sera pas endommagé sous l’eau. Le vinyle se décline en multiples modèles qui s’harmonisent à différents décors, de classiques à contemporains.

It is also very resistant to bumps and scratches. In addition, its price is very advantageous and its texture makes it pleasant for the joints. It is not for nothing that it is prized in basements by many homeowners!

Turn to a resistant wood species

Some wood species are more tolerant to water. This is the case with teak, for example. Your floor will withstand contact with water longer and may even come out intact. Although it is not a total protection, it is also possible to protect the wood - regardless of the species - with several coats of polyurethane-based oil to create a waterproof seal. However, this changes the look significantly.

Choose furniture on legs

Changing your furniture? Stay away from the trend of legless models that sit on the floor. Instead, choose tables, sofas and chairs with legs that are several centimeters long. In fact, legs are in vogue! You can also hang light furniture on the wall, such as the TV console or storage bins. This way, in the event of a disaster, they have a better chance of being spared.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES

Avoid breaking condensation bubbles

Are there condensation bubbles on the interior walls, floor or ground? These are the first signs of infiltration in the house! If you pierce them, they will drain into the residence since they are waterlogged. So avoid it! However, you must get rid of them and fix the problem. Expert companies specialize in this task.

Install a drainage system

Homes in flood-prone areas often have a drainage system that can protect the basement by draining water quickly. If you're going to do major work, consider installing an exterior system (although this will require excavation). You can also install these drainage devices under the floor or in the baseboards.

Remove snow from around the house

In the winter, there is often no need to worry about snow accumulating near basement windows. However, small cracks in the foundation or loose joints can be an easy avenue for melting snow. Even if the coping is effective!

Ideally, you should shovel as you go to clear the foundation, especially during snowmelt.

Apply a waterproofing coating

There are products that can make a building waterproof (or almost!). Specialized companies install a membrane or spread a waterproofing liquid between the wall and the possible source of water in order to waterproof.

Level the floor before installing exterior ceramic tiles

One way to protect a basement from water infiltration is to ensure that the ground does not slope towards the house. If you plan to do a porcelain or ceramic floor deck (there are many designs perfect for the outdoors!), remember to slope the floor slightly so that the water flows back towards the property. Same advice if you are doing a tiled driveway!

Directing Downspouts

Unblocking downspouts is an important step - especially in the spring! - to promote the circulation of water produced by melting snow on the roof. Also, be aware that the devices connected to the eavestroughs to evacuate the water are not useless: they allow to direct the rainwater away from the foundations. If they don't do their job properly or if they don't send the water far enough away (ideally, downspouts should drain more than two metres from the house), it's risky for your property!

Buy a protective device

A sump pump will come in handy if you notice water damage: you can quickly get the liquid out of the basement and moderate the damage. Alternatively, some devices with sensors can detect leaks and alert you on your smartphone so you can take action.

This should help you minimize damage and protect your basement from seepage and water damage! If humidity has already damaged your interior, you can count on Déco Surfaces for your renovations: you'll get plenty of advice and have access to a large inventory of ceramicvinyl and wood floors.