3 Common Basement Waterproofing Techniques
A wet basement is something most homeowners dislike because of the accompanying costs. However, other homeowners do not mind tiny trickles or a small puddle of water in their basement. Nonetheless, a water trickle or a little puddle is a clear sign of a much bigger problem in the foundation. Since the basement floor sits on top of the foundation, a wet basement floor only means that the foundation is breached and soaking with water. Therefore, if you are building a new house, you must waterproof the basement. The waterproofing will help you to avoid costly damages and mould-related illnesses. This article highlights top basement waterproofing methods to consider.
Internal Waterproofing -- The most common basement waterproofing method used is internal waterproofing. Cracks and holes, however tiny, are great passageways for water coming from outside. Therefore, applying special sealants over these nooks and crannies helps to seal the interior from moisture or water. The sealants you use must be waterproof if your objective is to create a watertight basement. Additionally, high-quality waterproof sealants help keep humidity levels in the basement as low as possible, thus eliminating the chances of moisture buildup.
External Waterproofing -- While it is okay to waterproof the basement floor and walls from the inside, the problem usually starts from the outside. If the outside of your basement is adequately sealed, then the chances are that you won't need to waterproof the interior. That said, external basement waterproofing is best done during construction so that you don't have to call the contractor again once the house is complete. A polymer-based sealant is the most common sealant used in external waterproofing, mainly because it lasts the life of the building. It is important to note that external waterproofing can also be conducted on an existing home. However, the process is labour-intensive since it involves excavating the area around the foundation.
Drainage -- One of the most common causes of wet basements is drainage problems. If rainwater doesn't drain away effectively around your home, then it is more likely that the water will find its way into your basement. Therefore, proper drainage will help direct runoff water away from the foundation. That said, installing drainage systems around your foundation is not a do-it-yourself undertaking because a survey is necessary to create unique basement waterproofing. The reason why is that different homes are built on different types of soil, and water drains differently in each. A professional will, therefore, conduct a survey and install drainage systems that will ensure your basement remains watertight.
For more information, contact a waterproofing contractor.
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