411homerepair.com

Basement Waterproofing: Exploring Your Options

by Kashif Raza on May 21, 2015

Every homeowner who has a basement should be aware of basement waterproofing options. Why? Every basement, whether in a new house or an old one, is susceptible to flooding.  By their very nature, basements are subject to the flow of water caused by heavy rainfall or melting snow. Additionally, flooding can occur from inside the house as a result of things like a burst or leaky pipe.  Whatever the cause, water in the basement can wreak havoc on your home, both in terms of causing structural damage and in fostering the growth of dangerous mold and mildew in the basement.  That can cause serious health issues for your family. 

Here’s the good news:  There are lots of options when it comes to protecting your basement from water damage.  It’s always best to fortify your basement against water leaks before a flood strikes instead of trying to incorporate waterproofing into your post-flood recovery methods, but realistically that’s not always possible. 

When it comes time to waterproof your basement, there are three basic methods you can use:  internal sealants, interior water drainage methods and external waterproofing procedures.  Each method brings with it benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to get informed before hiring a contractor to waterproof your basement. 

Interior Sealants

Although not strictly a waterproof material, basement sealants are a great stop-gap measure that you can use until you can permanently address the issue with one of the other methods.  Sealants are designed to reduce the amount of humidity in the air in your basement.  In doing so, the sealant keeps the humidity (moisture) from being absorbed from the air into the walls and floors of the basement and eventually leaching to other areas of the house.

Water Drainage

Interior water drainage isn’t technically a waterproofing method either.  Instead, it is a method of dealing with basement moisture by redirecting water from the basement out through the foundation and out through the basement floor.  Sump pumps are inherently designed to do this, so if you have one in your house you can remove excess water yourself.  If you are going to do this, however, it’s always wise to have a backup drainage method in case of a power outage or malfunction of the pump itself.

Exterior Waterproofing

This is one of the other ways to truly waterproof your basement.  It is recognized in the building industry as the best way to truly ensure that water is not allowed to seep into your basement and cause water damage.  Through exterior waterproofing, a sheet or membrane of plastic or vinyl is used to waterproof the walls.  These materials are very strong and long-lasting, which is one of the reasons this method of waterproofing is so preferred in the industry.

It is imperative that you ensure your home’s basement is fortified against floods and other forms of water damage.  Otherwise, you could end up having not only structural problems in your home but also the growth of dangerous mold spores, which can become airborne and cause respiratory and skin problems for your family members.  Contact a reputable waterproofing contractor today to further explore your options for waterproofing your basement.

Latest Articles

Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors

Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...

on Mar 22, 2023

What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House

Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...

on Feb 13, 2023

Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation

Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...

on Feb 12, 2023

Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems

In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...

on Feb 2, 2023

What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof

Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...

on Feb 1, 2023

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

How to Build a Waterfall

On a level site, with an "average" size pond of 11ft x 16ft; the amount of soil needed to surround the biological filter and create the...

Garden / Landscaping / Patio

Ways to Find the Best Roofing Contractor

No homeowner wants to witness roof leaks! It is a sign of roof damage, and it indicates that there is something wrong with the home as well. It...

Roofing / Gutters

Things to Do if You Get Locked Out of Your House

Getting locked out of your house can induce panic. You do not know what to do next. You also worry about your safety. Worse, you are in a hurry...

Safety / Security

Top Tips to Optimize Your Home Insurance Coverage

When you are buying a house, you are in the process of acquiring what is most likely the most expensive thing you will ever own in your life. So...

Safety / Security

Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

The proper placement of trees and shrubs around a home will have a significant impact on the energy required to heat and cool the structure. The...

Garden / Landscaping / Patio

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2023