Basement waterproofing entails various materials and techniques used to halt the entry of water into the basement or a building below ground level. Waterproofing a basement can also involve the installation of basement sump pumps and drain tiles, the application of liquid waterproofing substances, and finally the utilization of basement mold removal and protection. Prevention of basement leaks and water damage can be ensured with the proper implementation of all these strategies. Prevention of water damage in the first place can be achieved by observing and adhering to the following basement waterproofing tips.
Prevention of basement leaks can be quite difficult given that some drainage systems are not functioning properly. In cases where water penetrates the lower levels of the home, waterproofing agents can help in mending cracks and leaky pipes. In this regard, it is best to contact a waterproofing contractor as soon as a leak occurs. A leak can occur anywhere in the home, but is most common in the basement.
Waterproofing basements above ground level involves the application of concrete waterproofing material. Applying the waterproofing agents is quite simple. Waterproofing agents are spread on the basement surface using a rotary tool or a brush. A heavy coating is then applied onto the surface of the basement. A layer of concrete is then allowed to set overnight to ensure that the waterproofing compound has been properly applied to the basement.
The use of basement waterproofing materials in the interior of the home is more problematic. The interior of a basement is usually made of cement, tile, or linoleum. While waterproofing these surfaces is possible, the exterior of the home is where waterproofing techniques will be more effective. Most interior basement walls are not waterproofed and are therefore susceptible to surface water, which can lead to moisture problems and the growth of mold. Cement waterproofing is often applied to basement walls before they are painted.
If the exterior of the home is affected by water, there are a few options for waterproofing the area. Exterior waterproofing is achieved with the use of special rubber tiles that can be strategically laid along the exterior walls. These rubber tiles are designed to resist both sound waves and water, allowing water to dissipate and sound waves to travel through them easily. In addition to preventing water from entering the basement, rubber tiles also prevent moisture from accumulating on the surface of the floor slab.
Of course, the easiest solution to water damage in the area surrounding the foundation is to simply stop the water from entering in the first place. Some experts suggest filling in the basement with a waterproof mixture prior to any repair work. This mixture is basically a borate-water mixture that form a barrier against water and should be applied to the entire floor surface area. It is important to note that this type of waterproofing is not permanent and will eventually wear off, so it must be periodically reapplied.
Finally, another option for waterproofing basement walls involves installing vents at the base of the wall. Water vents can prevent the entry of excess water into the basement by drying out the air between the floor slab and the exterior walls. If you live in an area where winter snows occur, you can install vents in the walls to remove excess moisture. While these two waterproofing methods are effective, they may not be the best option for your basement.
In most cases, you’ll only need to waterproof your basement if the outside conditions are particularly bad. For instance, if it is likely to rain for at least four or more days each year, this might be a good time to waterproof your basement. If you live in an area where floods occur more frequently, however, it is probably a good idea to call a professional waterproofing company for additional advice. When it comes to waterproofing your basement, there are quite a few options available to you. To learn more about waterproofing visit weathertitewaterproofing.com