Waterproofing Near a Lake: Is your Basement More Likely to Have Structural Issues if You Live on a Lake?

When looking at property to purchase, you may have decided to invest in a home on the water. Lake homes are absolutely beautiful and give you not only a lovely dwelling but also a place to relax and unwind. Lake life can be fun and exciting as there is always something to do on the water. However, living near large bodies of water can also affect the integrity of the home. Should you be worried about structural issues if you live on a lake, particularly if the home has a basement?

The Location of the Home

The first factor to consider is the location of the home. Are you directly on the water? If the home is located closer to the water, then chances are your home could be at risk if flooding were to occur. You certainly want to take precautions and have flooding insurance but also consider the overall structural integrity of the home. If you have a basement, how well is it waterproofed? Has waterproofing measures been taken outside of the home as well as within the inside? Certain measures can be taken with landscaping to ensure flooding does not affect the home as well as waterproofing the concrete foundation of the home as it surrounds the basement area. Such measures should be used as a precaution if flooding were to ever occur.

Dangers of Flooding

When you do not have waterproofing within the basement area and foundation of the home, you are at risk for flooding. The home can easily be damaged due to water entering from under the ground or within cracks and crevices of the basement exterior walls. When living near a lake, extra precautions need to be taken in order to keep the area free of water. If water were to enter the home, a host of problems can occur. Mold and mildew can set in once moisture enters the home. This can lead to sickness as well as costly damages.

On top of this issue, water can weaken the structural integrity of the home. When the structure is weakened, it can lead to serious damage within your home. Cracks can begin to occur in the foundation which can lead to floor, wall and ceiling issues as well.

When living near a lake, it is important to take time to have your home waterproofed. The exterior and interior need to be considered. Depending on the style of the basement you have, the exterior will most definitely need to be waterproofed but also interior walls. Cement blocks will need to be painted with waterproof coatings to ensure that there is a barrier in place so that water cannot seep into the home.

If you are unsure as to if your home is properly waterproofed, contact concrete experts for their opinion. A technician can review your home and determine if additional waterproofing is needed and if so, what action needs to be taken in order for the home to be repaired in order to provide maximum protection from water if the lake were to flood.