Basement waterproofing entails various materials and methods utilized in order to stop water from flowing into the basement of an establishment or a home. Waterproofing a basement does not necessarily have to be done by a professional; however, it usually needs the expertise of these professionals. Waterproofing a basement does not only have to do with the type of materials utilized, but also the quality of these materials and their adherence to building codes. Waterproofing a basement can require the application of various sealants, the installation of drainpipes and sump pumps, and even more advanced methods and equipment.
In many homes, there exists an area located below the basement which is often referred to as the cellar. This part of the house is used for various activities such as the storage of seasonal goods and items, heating a home, recreational activities such as hobbies and family gatherings, etc. The basement waterproofing job in such an instance would involve installing floor drain tiles and installing a sump pump. The space beneath the foundation should be excavated, leveled, and drained to make the space waterproof. Although there are numerous approaches utilized in waterproofing a basement, there are specific methods that are preferred by professionals due to their effectiveness, reliability, and ease of use.
Permeable membranes are the most commonly used waterproofing products and systems for basements. They consist of a synthetic material that has the ability to absorb moisture from the air and prevent it from seeping into the interior of a space. These systems utilize a core membrane and a series of pleated membranes that are applied in a rolling action to the entire basement space. This method is capable of trapping large amounts of water before it has the chance to spread throughout the interior of the basement.
Another popular method of basement waterproofing is the use of water-repellant concrete sealants. This sealant serves to protect your basement walls from the inside once water has caused structural damage. It does this by preventing the water from rising up into the structure of the building and the exterior of the building as well. There are a variety of water-repellant sealants available today. Some use natural plant oils while others use synthetic chemicals to effectively prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Sealing the walls of a basement can be achieved by using air-tight waterproofing materials. These sealants are most often applied in small portions to create an impermeable barrier against the water. A variety of different types of paints are available that have the capability of creating an air tight seal. In addition, some basement waterproofing paints feature an anti-static additive which can prevent electrical surges when water has caused damage to the electrical wiring in the area. It is important to ensure that any sealants applied to the interior of your basement comply with any local building codes.
For larger structures such as basements, it is usually necessary to hire a professional to waterproof the basement. In many cases, waterproofing contractors will apply an exterior coating of waterproofing paint to the interior walls of the space. The exterior layer will be a shield from water damage while the interior layer can serve to repair any damage already present. In fact, in some cases basement waterproofing contractors may even use the same materials that are used for the exterior coating in order to better seal the space.
Whether you are sealing a newly constructed basement or repairing an existing one, it is important that the process be done in an environmentally controlled environment. In general, a basement is much more susceptible to water damage than other areas of the home. Waterproofing the interior of your home is an important first step in ensuring that your basement is sufficiently protected from the elements. By sealing off the basement, you are also protecting the structural integrity of the home itself since in many cases the entire foundation of the home will need to be replaced after severe weather conditions have affected the area.
For those who are considering a DIY project, it is important to remember that there are many risks involved in applying sealants to a space. In order to be certain that the sealant is correctly applied and that it does not just wash away when it rains, it is best to hire a professional to waterproof the space. While there are many benefits to waterproof your basement on your own, professional waterproofing will ensure that you get the job done right the first time. In the long run, waterproofing your basement is the smart choice for anyone who has a basement. To learn more about waterproofing visit weathertitewaterproofing.com
