Basement Waterproofing Basics That You Need to Know
There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning and preparing for the day, only to discover a puddle of water where no water should be. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence, especially for homeowners without properly waterproofed homes. For homeowners in Connecticut and Massachusetts, you may also experience this as snow begins to melt and large volumes of water begin seeping into the grown and through cracks in your foundation.
Leakage in your kitchen may seem a lot more urgent than a small puddle in the basement, but the truth is that even basement issues should be addressed as soon as possible. They’re far from free of consequence and can actually cause structural damage, resulting in mold and mildew growth, and rot the wood parts of your home, among others.
Basement waterproofing is therefore necessary, whether or not you plan to use your basement regularly, to ensure that the structural integrity of your home remains intact and its value retained. And before you discount it as an extra expense that you are unable to benefit from,
find out about the basics of waterproofing and why it is necessary for homes:
Basement Waterproofing 101
Basement waterproofing is not as simple as one might think. There’s a lot more to the task than filling all the wall cracks and calling it a day. It is actually a series of interconnected projects that work together to ensure that the basement stays as dry as possible. Your contractor will perform one or more of these waterproofing approaches, depending on what your home needs.
Exterior Excavation Waterproofing
Exterior excavation waterproofing involves digging anywhere from six to eight feet down to the foundation's wall foot to correct the drainage. This may include the installation of either a French drain system or draining tiles. Contractors will also apply a waterproof membrane to the surface of the exterior wall so water won't be able to seep through again.
This method is usually more costly than others, especially if it has to be done on multiple walls. Still, the advantage here is that it keeps water from your basement and needs little-to-no future maintenance when done right.
Interior Drain System Waterproofing
This type of waterproofing addresses hydrostatic pressure or the groundwater pressure trying to get through the foundations or the walls. Interior drain systems are also called negative side waterproofing because they address water that has already entered a basement. This approach is closer to 'control' or 'management' instead of prevention.
While typically less expensive, this comes with disadvantages—the most obvious is that doing some excavation in an already finished basement can cause structural problems.
Crack Injections
Crack injections are an option for those with poured concrete foundations when the leak is coming from the walls, not the floors. It's not recommended for brick, cinder, or stone walls. The injection of polyurethane or epoxy into cracks can effectively prevent water from seeping into the basement through the walls, but many contractors deem this as nothing more than a temporary fix.
Why You Need to Keep Your Basement Dry
One of the best reasons to keep your basement dry is so you can use it as a functional room. You can transform it into an office, a game room, or a guest room, for instance. Even if you do not have plans to remodel your basement, you still need to keep it dry, or you'll soon have to get mold remediation services, too. That's an expense you can avoid by waterproofing your basement.
Waterproofing Your Home Is Essential
Basement waterproofing can prolong the life of your foundation and your home in general. It can effectively prevent water leakage and even flooding, as well as pest infestations and mold growth. If your basement is used as storage, waterproofing the room protects your possessions you keep there. Waterproofing is also necessary if you're planning to use your basement as a livable space.
Need Help Waterproofing Your Home?
To enjoy the benefits of a dry, puddle-less home, you need the services of Advanced Basement Waterproofing. We can provide Connecticut and Massachusetts homeowners with thorough basement waterproofing services that will ensure your home remains a healthy and happy place to live. Contact us today for a free quote!
