Complete Guide to Basement Waterproofing: Protect Your Home from Water Damage
If water gets into your basement, it could create more than a slight inconvenience; mould growth and structural damage are just two potential problems that can result. The good news is that while water leakage can come as a menace, it does not have to be an issue in the long run. Fortunately, a little basement waterproofing can save your home from long-term damage and give you dry, basement-safe oases throughout the year. From a minor leak to frequent water buildup, there are ways you can prevent water from coming inside your basement and causing harm. This guide will show you how to evaluate your basement and select the perfect waterproofing solutions for repair and prevention from our other blogs.
What Is Basement Waterproofing?
Waterproofing a basement involves stopping water from intruding into it via walls, floors, or the foundation. It uses several methods in and around the house to manage moisture so your basement stays dry, even during heavy rain or floods. In a nutshell, interior waterproofing deals with water that has already entered your basement. In contrast, exterior waterproofing focuses on preventing water from getting anywhere close to your home’s foundation.
Inspection and assessment
This is the most important step, and you first find out what part of your house has been infiltrated by water. Experienced basement waterproofing companies will usually examine your sprinklers, cellar floors, and other tangible cracks or leaks to determine the base walls. They will also consider outside factors like the slope of your yard, your gutter and downspout maintenance, and whether there is a functional old drainage system. When they inspect, contractors may use moisture meters, infrared cameras, and other diagnostic tools to find hidden water behind walls or under floors.
Repairing Foundation Cracks and Other Structural Issues
Foundation cracks and other structural problems are common causes of water leaks, which can easily result in major structural damage if left untreated. These cracks can be filled with epoxy or polyurethane to stop water from coming in and repair the cracks. In more severe cases, repairs may involve stabilizing or reinforcing foundations, which tune the basement waterproofing costing up to $3,500. Waterproofing a basement without addressing foundation cracks won’t fix the root cause.
Methods Involved In Waterproofing Basements
After addressing a basement’s foundation and structural issues and understanding what’s causing water intrusion, explore different waterproofing methods. These can be categorized into interior waterproofing and exterior waterproofing.
Interior Waterproofing Methods:
- Interior Drainage System (French Drain): Water seeping into the basement is collected in a pipe and sent to a sump pump, which pumps it outside. The pipe lies within a trench filled with concrete, making the system invisible. This is ideal for areas with frequent rainfall.
- Waterproof Coatings and Sealants: Basement waterproofing contractors apply waterproof coatings to basement walls, creating a moisture barrier that prevents water from passing through minor cracks or pores.
- Crack Injection: Specific foundation cracks are sealed with polyurethane (PU) or epoxy resin, preventing water from entering through the cracks. This method is best for localized water problems.
Exterior Waterproofing Methods:
- Exterior Waterproofing Membrane: The basement waterproofing companies responsible for trenching around the foundation apply a damproof membrane that prevents water from penetrating the walls. Drainage boards and weeping tiles are typically installed alongside the membrane to divert water.
- Exterior French Drain (Weeping Tile System): A perforated pipe is installed at the foundation’s footing level, collecting groundwater and diverting it to a storm drain or sump pump.
- Grading and Gutter System: Ensuring the ground slopes away from the foundation and gutters direct water away can prevent water from pooling near the home. Basement waterproofing contractors may regrade the landscape or extend downspouts for improved water management.
Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Regular checks inside the home, as well as outside, can be great ways to identify potential problems early on before they evolve into bigger issues. Ensuring your gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning correctly keeps water from pooling around your foundation. Interior waterproofing system components like sump pumps also need occasional care. Inspect the pump and ensure it works, especially before each wet season, to avoid last-minute surprises during severe downpours. Other homeowners might choose a backup battery for their sump pump to continue operating during electricity outages. Routinely checking to ensure the drains have not filled with debris is crucial if an exterior drainage system has been installed. These basics may prevent waterproofing systems from functioning properly and cause water stagnation if ignored.
Conclusion
Water infiltration in the basement may seem frustrating and costly, but the right solutions and services can prevent most damage and save your house. The best basement waterproofing work begins with thoroughly inspecting and addressing any structural problems before developing the plan. Whether you pick outside waterproofing for long-term effects or indoor waterproofing because it is much faster and easier on the budget, maintaining your systems correctly will be necessary to achieve continued success.
