Home Maintenance 101: The Basics of Basement Waterproofing

Advanced Basement Waterproofing • October 12, 2022

Having your own home is beneficial because you have a place where you can relax and take time for yourself. However, it's also a responsibility because you must protect your home, which is a sizable investment. Of course, this applies to every part of the house, including the basement. There's no better way of doing this than by waterproofing.

 

Basement waterproofing is the process of installing a waterproof barrier on the interior or exterior of your basement walls to prevent water from seeping in. It's considered the primary method to protect a basement because water is often the primary cause of basement damage. Despite this, many homeowners usually take it for granted because they think the chances of flooding happening are little to none, or it's an optional expense. Few homeowners know how basement waterproofing work, so we'll discuss the details in this article.

 

What Causes a Basement to Get Wet?

 

There are many ways your basement can get wet, but the primary reason is due to hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure is the force of water against the basement walls. It's the force that causes water to seep through cracks and crevices. Hydrostatic pressure is the primary reason for wet basements.

 

Other causes of wet basements include:

 

  • Improper drainage system
  • A missing or damaged gutter
  • Improperly graded lot
  • Cracks or holes in the foundation walls

 

Why Your Basement Needs to Be Dry

 

A wet basement provides a breeding ground for mold and mildew. These can cause significant health problems for you and your family and ruin your home’s value.

 

Of course, a wet basement can also lead to structural damage. Water can seep into the walls, weakening the foundation and causing cracks. A damp basement can also lead to wood rot, attracting pests.

 

How to Waterproof Your Basement

 

There are many ways to waterproof your basement. The best ones are epoxy injections, the most effective method for repairing cracks. It involves injecting epoxy into the cracks. The epoxy will fill the gaps and prevent water from seeping in. Alternatively, polyurethane injections can also do the trick.

 

As for waterproofing, barriers are the best way to keep your basement dry. They are installed on the walls and floors to prevent water from seeping in. If all else fails, you can always hire a professional waterproofing service.

 

Hiring a Waterproofing Service

 

When waterproofing your basement, you can always count on the experts. However, you don't just hire the first one you see because you must consider the following:

 

Expertise

 

The waterproofing company you're about to hire should be knowledgeable in this field. Some waterproofing companies specialize in basements, while others specialize in other areas. You must ensure that the company you're about to hire is knowledgeable in waterproofing basements.

 

Experience

 

Expertise is one thing, but the experience is a different story. While there are many new waterproofing companies, hiring an experienced one is still the best. They know what they're doing and can do it right the first time.

 

License and Permits

 

The waterproofing company you're about to hire should have a license and permits. Many waterproofing companies operate without licenses and permits. Hiring a licensed and insured waterproofing company is recommended to ensure that the company you're about to hire is legitimate.

 

Warranty

 

Warranty matters because it assures you that the quality of the waterproofing job is guaranteed. If there's a problem with the waterproofing job, you're entitled to get the job redone for free. Many waterproofing companies don't offer a warranty, so find one that does.

 

Price

 

You want to get your money's worth, so ensure the price is fair. You should get quotes from at least three waterproofing companies and compare them. If a company's quote is significantly lower than the others, it could be a red flag.

 

Conclusion

 

Waterproofing your basement is one of the best things you can do for your home. Whether you're using your basement for storage or as additional living space, you should protect it from water damage. When you do, your home will be better for it because a dry basement is a safe basement.


Advanced Basement Waterproofing provides top-quality services for
basement floodproofing. Our professional contractors will ensure your home’s basement is waterproof to prevent damage, all for fair prices. Simply go to our website to get a free quote!