As prices for materials go up, more homeowners are considering how to waterproof a basement. While many basement waterproofing methods can still be considered costly, the savings over the long run may make it well worth the investment. And regardless of the method chosen, the end result will be a better, more leak-proof basement. Here are a few basement waterproofing methods that can either be DIY or purchased ready-made:
How to Waterproof a Basement
Permeable membrane – a thin film of plastic or metal applied to the interior of a basement waterproofing space using a mechanical process called vapor compression. The permeable membrane is installed at the bottom of a basement and is sloped to allow water to percolate through the gaps between the seams. When waterproofing an existing basement, it’s recommended that a second membrane is added to the first. This allows the same water pressure to act against the water in the basement as against the water pressure in the exterior environment. It’s effective for small to mid-sized basements where seepage is not a problem. The only drawback is that it does not prevent basement mold from growing, and it cannot prevent groundwater movement into the basement.
Installing a basement drain is one of the simplest and most effective ways on how to waterproof a basement.
It’s especially effective for basements located near a kitchen or bathroom, since these are the areas where most water accumulates. If the drain connects to a kitchen or bathroom, however, installation may be necessary since pipes may run under or through the drain, thus increasing the likelihood for mold to grow. It’s important to hire a professional to perform this process, as the proper installation will prevent damage to your pipes and increase the effectiveness of the basement waterproofing system.
Foundation creep is often considered one of the most damaging and costly problems associated with basement waterproofing.
When water is pumped uphill it usually expands downward, causing the foundation to settle. By adding extra floor area, extra space and greater capacity, foundation creep can easily be stopped. There are several options for basement waterproofing, including various types of fillers, such as gravel, mortar or concrete, an elastomeric membrane, or a flexible basement waterproofing membrane.
Basement seepage occurs when ground surrounding a basement is compromised, either by natural or man-made factors.
Seepage can reduce the structural integrity of the building and can make the basement feel much warmer than it actually is. Preventing basement seepage requires a careful evaluation of the foundation, soil, vegetation and landscaping around the property. Basement waterproofing contractors use a variety of techniques to address specific issues.
Heavy rains may lead to excess moisture leaking from the roof.
To address this problem, waterproofing contractors place drains on the roof, taking out run off water. Depending on the size of the drainage drain and the design of the roof, the drains may be buried below the surface or built into the concrete. The drains are usually located near the basement and used to direct runoff water away from the foundation repair.
Installing proper basement floor drain tiles is essential to reducing basement seepage.
A perforated pipe, which is simply a narrow plastic pipe with a large round hole in its center, is placed through the soil along the basement walls. Water coming through the perforated pipe is diverted to an attached basement footer drain system. Perforated pipes can also be made of polyethylene mesh, vinyl liners or solid gravel. All of these materials work very well in controlling basement water flow; however, there is one major drawback – the pipes must be replaced periodically.
If the foundation has not been damaged and the exterior wall is sound, then the interior of the basement is most likely safe from the elements.
In most cases, the interior of the basement is sealed off using a water proofing membrane or an exterior excavation system. Interior basement waterproofing systems are very similar to those used for exterior construction, with the exception that the membrane is sprayed directly onto the wall cavities. After being applied, the interior membrane is allowed to dry, possibly overnight, then installed with perforated drain holes.
