The Most Effective Way to Waterproof a Basement
A waterproofing system is a comprehensive solution that includes both preventative and reactive measures. Preventative measures include removing foundation plantings and ensuring that the yard slopes away from the house, as well as installing gutters with downspout extensions and a sump pump.
Hydraulic cement can be injected into holes and cracks in basement walls to stop water from entering the home. However, it’s important to remove paint or efflorescence before applying sealant, as these materials don’t adhere well to bare masonry.
Gutter System
Waterproofing a basement is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It improves resale value, keeps your belongings safe, and ensures that your family has a comfortable living space. It also protects your home from costly structural damage, and reduces energy bills by keeping the basement cool. If your basement is constantly flooding, has mold and mildew odors or is full of dampness and decaying timbers, then it’s time to waterproof the area!
Basement waterproofing strategies fall into two categories: preventative methods that address water and moisture before it gets to your underhome space, and reactive methods that respond to existing problems. Your chosen method should depend on the underlying cause of the problem, including soil type and climate. Basement Waterproofing Lexington KY can help you determine the best solution for your property, and combine exterior and interior waterproofing methods for redundancy and efficiency.
When preparing for basement waterproofing, it’s important to thoroughly clean the surface to be coated and remove any existing materials or caulking that could interfere with adhesion. Next, apply a concrete sealant to basement walls and floors to create a protective barrier against hydrostatic pressure and water seepage. When applying a coating, it’s important to follow the manufacturer guidelines and instructions carefully to ensure proper coverage and maximum protection.
Once you have the basement waterproofing system in place, it’s important to regularly monitor your gutters and downspouts to make sure they’re functioning properly. You can further prevent moisture issues by changing the landscaping in your yard to help with runoff and grading the soil around your foundation to ensure it slopes away from your home. Finally, you should consider a waterproof window well cover to help direct rainwater away from the home.
French Drain
For areas that experience extensive ground water infiltration, a French drain system can help prevent basement damage. This interior waterproofing method involves installing a network of drain tiles and a sump pump that collects water and carries it away from your home. This type of waterproofing system is cheaper than exterior methods, which require excavation and cutting into your foundation floor.
If the soil around your home isn’t properly graded or the gutters are clogged or not working correctly, rain and ground water will accumulate at your foundation and find its way inside. You can improve your home’s drainage by changing the slope of your yard and installing new downspout extensions to direct water away from your foundation. Gutters should also be checked to make sure they are properly deflecting water. Window wells should be dug out to the point where the soil level is several inches below the bottom of the window.
Interior mold growth, damp corners and puddles on the floor are signs of water infiltration in your basement. These issues can be caused by localized leaks, severe cracks in your foundation, or interior plumbing leaks. Localized mold and puddles in specific areas can be eliminated by repairing cracks, caulking windows and doors and running a dehumidifier.
For areas with extensive water infiltration, a combination of exterior and interior waterproofing methods is the best solution. A professional can find the source of your moisture problems and create a comprehensive waterproofing plan for your home. While you can do some of the work yourself like grading the soil, adding downspout extenders and sealing hairline cracks in your foundation, a professional will provide a warranty on their work and ensure that your basement is waterproofed for a lifetime.
Interior Drainage System
When a basement is waterproofed from the inside, it becomes a safe, dry space that can be transformed into an additional bedroom, a home office or a gym. This gives homeowners more options for how they use their homes, and can help them increase the value of their properties.
The most effective way to stop water from entering the home is by adding a basement drainage system. The system consists of perforated pipes that sit on top of the footing and are surrounded by washed gravel, so dirt can’t clog them. The water then drains into a sump pump or through new weeping tiles, which will prevent water from seeping up through the basement walls and into the living area.
Moisture in a basement can cause a variety of problems, from mildew to mold and structural damage. If moisture is not addressed quickly, it can lead to costly repairs down the road.
One of the most common reasons for wet basements is because rainwater and groundwater are not directed away from the house. Gutters are designed to redirect water, but if they aren’t installed correctly or become too clogged, rainwater will accumulate around the foundation and try to find a way inside.
Another common reason for wet basements is the improper slope of the soil. When the ground slopes toward the foundation, water will flow in and seep through any cracks that form in basement walls or around windows and doors.
Various products are available that can be used to seal the cracks in basement walls. These products include hydraulic cement, which is mixed with water to a thick consistency and forced into the cracks with a putty knife. Masonry crack filler is also an option, and a good choice, which forms a strong, permanent crack filler and waterproof membrane in minutes.
Polymer Coatings
Basements are often damp and humid spaces that breed mold and mildew and cause wood rot. To make your basement a safer and more usable space, you need to waterproof it. There are several methods to consider, from preventative steps like installing a drain and regrading your yard to more intense solutions such as concrete coatings and interior plumbing systems. These methods can also be used as a supplement to other techniques, such as removing moisture sources and improving ventilation.
Interior basement waterproofing methods include using sealants or coatings of epoxy or polyurethane to create a barrier on the walls and floor. Some of these are designed specifically for basements and can be brushed or rolled on. Others are designed for use with masonry or concrete and must be injected into cracks. While these aren’t as effective as a drain or a drainage system, they can be cost-effective and can help stop water leaks in their tracks.
The first step is to clean the surface and remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the basement walls. Then, you can apply a silicate concrete sealant to the wall. This is a thin liquid that penetrates the concrete and closes gaps. It can be applied over painted surfaces, but it isn’t meant as a paint substitute and needs to be applied thickly, like a primer.
You can also fill cracks in the foundation with hydraulic cement and apply a waterproof sealant that resists up to 250 pounds of pressure per square inch. You can also caulk any joints around doors and windows.
Window Wells
In addition to repairing existing damage, waterproofing your basement is an excellent preventative measure. By addressing issues such as landscaping, grading soil, and gutters that aren't properly routing water away from your home, you can greatly reduce the risk of basement flooding and other costly damages down the road.
The first step in any home waterproofing project is ensuring that any cracks in the foundation are sealed and that the basement floor, egress windows, and basement doors are properly waterproofed. This can be done by using special sealants that fill the cracks, preventing moisture from traveling into the basement.
Another way to prevent moisture from entering your basement is by installing a drain system around the exterior of the foundation. This type of system intercepts the energy from the water that is trying to make its way in through your basement and nudges it through the drain tile, through the sump pump, and out through discharge lines leading away from the house.
For homeowners who don't want to invest in a full drainage system, there are also interior basement waterproofing systems that can be installed. These systems include a drainage pipe that runs from the footers of your basement foundation to a sump pump in a pit underneath the basement. When the sump pump detects that the water level is rising, it ejects the water through discharge lines and out of the basement.
For those who just want to prevent water from entering their home through basement windows, window wells can be a great option. Installing a window well with a gravel base can be used to keep water out of the basement and increase air flow, helping to prevent mold and mildew problems that can occur in humid spaces.
A waterproofing system is a comprehensive solution that includes both preventative and reactive measures. Preventative measures include removing foundation plantings and ensuring that the yard slopes away from the house, as well as installing gutters with downspout extensions and a sump pump. Hydraulic cement can be injected into holes and cracks in basement walls to…