Waterproofing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the integrity of your home. When water enters the basement, it can cause significant damage to the structure of the home and any items that are being stored in the basement. This can be a particularly devastating loss in a finished basement. However, water damage is not the only concern; any moisture that enters the basement can also create the perfect environment for mold to thrive. This can cause respiratory problems and other health issues for those who live in the home. A waterproofing company can ensure that your basement stays dry throughout the year, no matter what type of weather you experience. They have many different solutions available that suit specific types of basements and water issues.
All basement waterproofing techniques are aimed at preventing water from penetrating the basement. Waterproofing basements below the ground level might involve installing drains and sump pumps, applying sealant materials and other steps depending on the layout of the basement and yard and the materials used to construct it.
Another issue that can cause problems in basements is hydrostatic pressure. Water in the soil surrounding the basement can lead to hydrostatic pressure beneath the basement floors and walls. This pressure forces water through the cracks, which can lead to structural damage, decay and other moisture-related problems.
Thankfully, there are many good approaches that professional a waterproofing company can use to keep basements dry. Here is a look at the four main methods that a waterproofing company uses to waterproof a basement.
Interior Drainage
The best option for most homes is waterproofing a basement from the inside. This tends to be a more cost-effective solution than exterior excavation, and it is also less disruptive to those living in the home while the work is being carried out.
For a French drain, one of the most common interior drainage systems, a trench is dug along the interior perimeter of the floor of the basement, and a drain and sump pump are installed to move water out of the basement.
In addition to a drainage system, experts recommend adding a vapor barrier such as polyethylene sheeting along the inside of the walls to protect them from condensation. That way, any ambient moisture in the basement will condense on the vapor barrier instead of behind the wall, where it can cause damage over time.
Exterior Waterproofing
For an additional layer of protection, many waterproof companies will recommend waterproofing the foundation of the home from the outside. This typically entails using membranes and polymers to coat the outside of the walls and/or installing a trench drain under the ground.
For example, a waterproofing company can spray polymer-based waterproofing materials directly onto a wall, where they will cure quickly and remain somewhat flexible to provide some leeway for the natural movement of the substrate.
This is widely considered to be the most effective way of waterproofing a basement. However, it can be expensive and disruptive in a home that is already inhabited. Many homes will have their basement waterproofed this way while they are still under construction to prevent water from causing damage to the structure.
Interior Sealants
The most common entry points for seepage in a poured concrete foundation are cracks and any pipe penetrations. Epoxies and urethane can be used to seal these openings from the interior to cut off the path of seepage.
Interior sealants work well at preventing high atmospheric humidity found inside the basement from being absorbed into masonry and causing spalling.
An interior sealant can be used to help keep a basement dry, but it is generally considered a temporary solution. These sealants can stop moisture from being absorbed by the structure and keep it from traveling to other areas of the home while waiting for a more permanent remedy.
Epoxy Injection
Another temporary fix for basement waterproofing is epoxy injection. This is suitable for poured concrete walls that have cracks that measure at least the width of a credit card.
Epoxy crack injections are generally used for structural purposes, while hydrophilic or hydrophobic polyurethane injections can seal cracks to prevent water or moisture from penetrating them.
However, as the wall expands and contracts between seasons, the epoxy may tear over the years, so additional protections should be put in place.
Reach Out To A Waterproofing Company
Waterproofing offers a variety of benefits that can protect your home from costly damage. In addition to stopping water from getting inside the basement and compromising your home and health, waterproofing can also reduce energy costs and improve the appearance of your home.
To find out more about how our professional and highly effective waterproofing solutions can help protect your home, get in touch with the professionals at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration.