3 Methods Of Basement Waterproofing

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You can use your basement to store stuff and create an entertainment room or a study area. However, you won't enjoy your space if it is flooded and moist. Therefore, consider installing a drainage system to keep your basement dry and conducive.

Ask a basement waterproofing expert to assess your space and recommend the best waterproofing solution.

Here are three methods of basement waterproofing.

Seal Cracks With Sealant and Epoxy

If your basement has water leaks and you don't have the budget for installing drainage, use a band-aid fix to salvage the situation.

Apply sealant to the walls to stop moisture from percolating through the walls. Remember not to apply it over efflorescence or painted walls.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you apply the sealant to your basement walls.

• Strip the walls of any paint or paneling.
• Clean the walls with a dish detergent, water, and ammonia solution.
• Wait for the wall to dry.
• Seal the cracks with epoxy.
• Apply a waterproof sealant in a thick layer on the dry walls.

Epoxy can crack with expansion and contraction of the walls. Thus, ask a basement waterproofing professional for pointers on the best epoxy in the market. Good quality epoxy should have a waterproof membrane that prevents leaks without cracking, porous foam, and a flexible sealant.

Build Internal Drainage

Creating interior drainage systems is one of the best ways to waterproof your basement. This method is less invasive and more cost-effective than creating exterior drainage systems.

Internal drainage (French drains) is a great way to keep water and moisture out of your basement.

Here is a step-by-step guide for creating an internal drainage system.

• Dig a waterway along the perimeter of your basement floor.
• Install a sump pump to move the water out.
• Create hidden drainage to hold water from the walls where the walls and floors connect.

The hidden drainage will direct water to a sump pump that drains the water outside.

Call a basement waterproofing expert to give you a structural design of the drainage system, recommend the best products, and do a thorough job for you.

Exterior Waterproofing

You can create exterior waterproofing for your basement with membranes and polymers coating the wall. You can also install a drain underground. For more effective waterproofing, combine both remedies.

Most people avoid exterior basement waterproofing because it is more expensive and intrusive. However, you can consult a basement waterproofing expert to suggest tips to make the process less expensive.

An exterior drainage system is also susceptible to clogs because of the large amounts of rain and floodwater debris. Therefore, here are a few tips to keep your drains unclogged:

• Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year
• Leave space between the house and any plants
• The soil around the basement should slope down from the foundation

Hire a professional basement waterproofing company to create a foolproof exterior drainage system for your basement and keep the water and moisture away.

Contact a company like Case Foundation System to learn more. 

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1 March 2023