Ultimate Guide To Basement Waterproofing Methods

Waterproofing a basement requires using an appropriate method and materials to limit water penetration into a basement. For a basement below ground level, waterproofing requires applying sealant, sump pumps, and installing drains among others. Basement spaces are prone to moisture development and wetness. The water from the soil exerts hydrostatic pressure underneath the basement walls and floors.

Hydrostatic pressure forces water to seep through cracks causing structural damage. Other related problems include decay, mold, and other problems. Other causes of moisture in the basement include improper slope, poor soil, and drainage system, and poor maintenance of the gutters. Limiting the dangers of all these requires waterproofing your basement.

Why waterproof your basement

Before digging into the various methods to waterproof your basement, you have to understand the importance of taking the plunge. A basement is prone to water damage resulting from water seeping through foundation cracks. Other possible causes of moisture buildup of water in the basement include poor cooling and heating. Basement waterproofing is important for limiting flooding, protecting the sump pump, improving the indoor environment, preventing structural damage, and reducing energy costs.

Types of basement waterproofing methods

Applying sealant in the interior

The first method to waterproof your basement is the use of sealants in the interior. This method involves pouring sealant in pipe penetrations and cracks in the concrete foundation. Sealant might include epoxies for its exceptional adhesiveness or urethane for injecting into openings using pressure. Sealant penetrates the foundation to the exterior to prevent water from seeping into the interior. When considering basement waterproofing in Philadelphia, the interior sealant is good for limiting atmospheric humidity in the basement from getting absorbed in porous masonry leading to spalling. The best way to ensure atmospheric humidity remains low is to apply interior sealant. Additionally, waterproofing your basement with interior sealant limits moisture absorption by the basement floor and walls. This limits moisture that might spill to other parts of your house.

Use of rubber sealants

Another method to waterproof your basement is by using rubber sealants. These include the application of chemicals by professionals to get the best results. Rubber sealant is in liquid form for applying on the basement walls. The sealant is durable, strong, and durable to make it a great waterproof barrier. Keep in mind that you have to hire professionals with appropriate treatment for having expertise in the waterproofing method.

Water drainage in the interior

A drainage system avoids water buildup in the basement. The ideal drainage eliminates water from the foundation footers and below the basement floor. Creating a channel surrounding the basement footer is a common method of draining water away from the basement. Equipment such as PVC pipe or French drain is necessary for installing in the drainage channel. For areas with too much ground clay that absorbs and holds water,  waterproofing is necessary to protect the basement from subsequent leaks and cracking.

Use of polymers and membranes

This basement proofing method is for preventing water from causing major structural damage to your home. Waterproofing the exterior basement requires the use of membranes and polymers for coating the exterior walls of the basement.

Polymer products last as long as your home and have no negative effect on soil pH. Another good thing about waterproofing the basement using polymer materials is spraying directly onto the walls. Additionally, the material cures fast and is semi-flexible to allow movement of the substrate.

Use of crack injections

Pouring crack injections in the foundation ensure waterproofing through expansion and contraction of concrete. Most times, epoxy injection is applied in the cracks of structures. Alternatively, hydrophilic or hydrophobic polyurethane injections are applied for sealing cracks to limit moisture penetration. Injecting sealing material in the cracks fixes the problem of water and is done from the interior with minimal disruption.

The process might require drilling holes at about 6 to 8-inch intervals along the crack. With the access hole with a diameter of about 3/8 inches, it is set perpendicular to the crack at 45 angles. The

drilled hole should crisscross the crack at approximately the center of the wall for treatment to ensure optimal distribution of sealant.

Using a sump pump

This has rectangular geometry with two side elements having apertures for exchanging groundwater as well as block debris. The other side element comes with an adjustable element for connecting other elements for basement proofing to the sump liner. Configuring the sump liner base has an inbuilt stand. The pump stand has a lip with notches for allowing fallen debris collected in the trough around the base periphery.

Additionally, the base has an underside cavity for accommodating obstruction in the sump hole floor. There’s also a removable lid for facilitating the sump liner’s access to the interior. There’s also a breakaway feature for accommodating the discharge pipe. You can have the sump liner oriented into the sump hole for protecting the foundation of the basement from the negative effects of soil erosion.

Bottom line

You don’t have to wait until disaster comes; waterproofing your basement improves the basement environment and saves a lot in maintenance costs. A professional team will use any of the methods above to keep moisture away from your basement.