Home Home Improvement Basement waterproofing: Everything you need to know

Basement waterproofing: Everything you need to know

by Hassan

In a typical home, more than 90 percent of water damage is preventable because the basement is the lowest area in your home therefore, the risk of leakage and flooding. Nowadays people might turn a basement into an extra room or use it as a storage area. No matter what it is used for, most basements will encounter a form of water at one time or another. Protecting your basement from leakage and flooding can help avoid serious road problems. Please read this article to know about basement waterproofing and its options.

Identifying the source of the leak:

Finding the cause of the leak can be more complicated than in a finished basement because it is less transparent. In addition to the apparent signs of puddles, indications such as cracked walls or mould and mildew can help pinpoint where leaks may be invisible to the naked eye.

Explore your options:

It depends on what caused the leak. There are several ways to fix it. This includes temporary fixes, such as basement waterproofing, such as grout from the local hardware store despite the efficiency but filling the cracks in the basement can be done with just plaster. The water Damage service offer long-term solutions, such as installing a drainage system or an artesian well pump, allow excess water to flow correctly from the basement. Having a drainage hole helps hygiene prevent mould, and improve air circulation.

Average cost:

As you evaluate the waterproofing method of the basement, just like any other home improvement project, you will need to factor in costs. It depends on the cause of the leak amount of damage, and the square footage of your basement. In total, it can range from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars.

Effects of water damage:

A small puddle here or there in your basement is less shocking than a large puddle from flooding. However, signs of water presence shouldn’t be noticed even if you rarely use the basement. But it also affects other parts of your home.

Preventive measures:

The flooded basement cleanup can be time-consuming and costly. But fortunately, there are proactive approaches to help prevent leaks and avoid irreparable damage. The placement of rain gutters in your home is best suited for severe and frequent thunderstorm climates. Check your garden landscaping to see if there are ways to improve its water absorption capacity before it seeps into your basement. It keeps the soil intact, while most plants or grassroots will redirect water out of your basement.

Follow the correct steps for water damage restoration of the basement:

If you find water in your basement, you need to remove essential or valuable items and monitor the situation. You may notice that the leak is caused by a rainstorm or other areas of your home, such as broken pipes. You don’t need to be immersed in water up to your neck. Until you decide that you need a basement water damage restoration system, even a few drops of water can be a sign that you need more investigation. You can get rid of the water from your basement.

1. Sealants

If the water is entering the basement through cracks, the basement waterproofing contractor will seal the cracks and help you get rid of the problem. Special sealant/waterproofing coatings are used to seal the crack and keep off the moisture and water.

It is important to remember that even though sealants are an inexpensive way of addressing the water problem, it is not an ideal solution for a home with strong hydrostatic pressure. The solution is ideal for minor dampness but cannot work for a flooded basement.

2. Crack Injection

Crack injections are ideal for a poured concrete foundation. If the basement waterproofing contractor comes to a conclusion that the water seepage is originating from the walls, he/she will use epoxy or polyurethane injections to take care of the cracks.

3. Interior Waterproofing – Drainage System

Most home owners opt for the solution because it is less expensive and doesn’t involve exterior excavation. It is also called a “water control” solution because it doesn’t stop the water from entering the walls of the basement. Instead, it deals with management of water after it has entered the walls.

If you opt for interior waterproofing, the basement waterproofing contractor will install weeping tiles to direct the water from the basement to a sump pump system.

Do not compromise on the experience and the expertise of the basement waterproofing contractor. If you choose an inexperienced contractor, he/she can damage the structural integrity of the foundation while installing weeping tiles and sump pump.

4. Exterior Waterproofing – Excavation

The basement waterproofing contractor will begin by excavating the earth around your home. He/she will apply hydraulic cement to take care of affected areas as well as install drainage tiles. If you demand for a window well for better waterproofing, the contractor will build one for you.

Exterior waterproofing is also called “positive side waterproofing” because it addresses the hydrostatic pressure and stops the water from entering the basement.

Exterior waterproofing can be expensive and time-consuming depending on the water problem in your home. If water infiltration is caused in more than one area, excavation will be carried out around several foundation walls of your home. It can increase the cost of waterproofing the basement.

One Size doesn’t fit all

There is no one best method of addressing the flooding and dampness issues in the basement. Every home is different and it is essential to address the problem by understanding the cause in detail.

For a few homeowners, sealants or crack injections will take care of the problem while others may require exterior waterproofing services. So, it is important to contact an experienced basement waterproofing contractor. He/she will suggest you the right method for taking care of wet basement.

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