Basement waterproofing involves different methods and substances to prevent moisture from penetrating a building or home’s basement. Basement waterproofing can also include installing sump pumps and drain pipes, the use of waterproof membranes, and even the use of special sealants. The purpose of these methods is to help prevent the growth of mold or mildew in the basement by stopping water from seeping up through the house’s cement walls and into the basement.
There are different basement waterproofing types, but most people don’t know how to do basement waterproofing properly. That’s why if you have a spare budget, it’s best to hire professionals, especially if you don’t have this much experience.
If you prefer the DIY method, here are some things you need to consider to keep your basement dry:
1. Inspect Your Basement
First, you should check your basement for any cracks. If you find one, you may want to call in an expert to see if there’s a problem with the pipes or drains. Most companies offer a free inspection so you can have experts look at your basement.
If you want to do it on your own, you need to do it once a year so you can prevent any future flooding. By doing this, you can plan your basement waterproofing project ahead.
If the inspection reports that there are damaged pipes that may already be leaking, you need to find out where they are and how to fix them. If you have flooding in your basement, it might not be visible right away, so it’s a good idea to get some special equipment.
You can use an inspection mirror to detect leaks. Utilize it to check the walls and ceilings carefully. Also, look for excess water during the inspection as this comes from moisture being allowed to fill up.
Once you know what kind of issues are causing your basement to have excess water, you can plan the next step of your basement waterproofing project.
2. Install Gutters
One of the most important benefits of installing gutter for basement waterproofing is it’ll keep your home safe from water intrusion. The main reason why installing gutters is vital is water will indeed find its way inside the basement without gutters. Thus, installing a gutter system is one of the best ways to prevent water from seeping into your basement.
Also, when you install a gutter system for your basement, you’ll be improving its insulation and water-retaining ability. Not only that, but when you prevent water seepage into your basement, you can prevent mold problems. Also, you can avoid excess water from damaging your electrical equipment.
3. Waterproof Membrane
Another thing you need to do is to put a waterproofing membrane between the floor and the walls of the basement. By doing this, you can prevent water from leaking into your basement, which is very important because it will help protect your basement from further water damage.
4. Proper Sealing And Fixing Basement
When sealing your basement, you should use caulk to secure the basement in place. This will help stop any leaks in the future and prevent water from getting into the basement.
If your basement is still leaking at this point, you might want to try to seal the walls too. You can do this by applying liquid silicone or epoxy to the inside of the wall using a brush and caulking gun. The sealant will prevent water from getting into the walls.
In addition to caulking, you’ll also need to put down sheet metal or wood frames to hold down the wall. With such, you can stop moisture from getting in your home from the ceiling and the outside.
You will also need to replace any damaged windows in your basement. Make sure the windows aren’t leaking, which will cause the moisture to leak out into the rest of your basement.
5. Right Materials
Many types of materials are available for you to use to waterproof your basement. One of the most common types of basement waterproofing materials is plaster. This can be a strong substance that can work as well as any other material.
Another type of material you may want to look into is the basement sealant. This type of substance can work effectively as well but will cost you more money than some of the other types. Learning what will work best for your basement should be your choice so you can adequately waterproof your basement. Think of it as an investment since you’re preventing your home from being damaged.
Conclusion
Waterproofing your basement is vital as it’s one of your foundations at home. If your basement isn’t waterproof, it can accumulate water that can cause basement flooding, mold buildup, and damage to your properties. That’s why before you start your project, you need to plan how you waterproof your basement based on your inspection as you may find basement problems needing attention. Then, install a gutter system so that water won’t seep into your basement.
Another is to waterproof your basement’s membrane, then seal any cracks in your basement’s walls. The most important is to use the right waterproof materials based on your basement’s needs.
