A basement is an integral part of a home. It is an additional space that can be used for living, storage or for utility. Still, basements can often cause problems for homeowners, especially regarding damage from water seepage.
Water usually infiltrates basements through tiny pores and minor cracks on the concrete surfaces, such as floors, walls, and even the ceiling. Constant water seepage can cause mold growth and even affect the foundation’s structural integrity.
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Hence, basement waterproofing methods are highly recommended by construction experts to preserve the aesthetics and integrity of the area. This method involves sealing the basement surfaces against water seepage to prevent water structural damage.
There are various types of techniques and methods used, but it is necessary to choose the best waterproofing products for concrete to ensure optimal protection against moisture damage.
In this blog, we will learn details of the various methods of waterproofing basements, the best-quality waterproofing products for concrete and the steps to waterproofing the basement.
What causes moisture in the basement?
Moisture is one of the most common factors that affect the integrity and durability of concrete structures. There are many reasons for moisture to accumulate in the basement of a house and cause damage, such as –
Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is one of the major reasons for water seepage through gaps and cracks in the foundation or walls, leading to moisture. The reason for the unexpected hydrostatic pressure could be improper drainage systems, or the surrounding soil.
Improper drainage and soil
Inefficient drainage, or poor soil quality are common causes for moisture to penetrate the basement walls and foundations of the house. In case there is improper drainage, or if the soil around the foundation does not have a proper slope, then this can lead to constant moisture infiltration and water seepage in the basement.
Poorly installed gutters
Poorly installed gutters, or gutters that are not maintained properly also cause accumulation of moisture in basements. Gutters that do not function properly or are clogged frequently due to poor maintenance can cause the water to overflow. This leads to accumulation of water around the foundation and causes water damage to the foundation.
Condensation
Condensation is another major cause of accumulation of moisture in foundations and basements. When humid, warm air mixes with cooler surfaces, such as pipes or walls, it condenses the moisture and creates water droplets. This can be a significant problem for basements that have improper insulation or are not ventilated adequately.
Cracks and gaps
Cracks in the basement’s floors and walls, as well as improper slope of the ground around the foundation of the house also results in accumulation of moisture which seeps into the basement.
4 Basement Waterproofing Methods
Thanks to advances in construction technology and the development of innovative construction chemicals, it has become easier and more efficient to make basements waterproof using the best-quality waterproofing products for concrete.
Below are the top four basement waterproofing methods you can use to make your foundation secure and prevent water damage –
1 – Interior sealants
Interior sealants are popular basement waterproofing methods. It involves applying a water-resistant sealant to the floor and interior walls of a basement.
Water often tends to seep into basements through tiny pores and small cracks, and even porous concrete. This is especially true for areas with poor drainage or high groundwater level. This causes mildew growth and other types of water damage, including damage to the foundation. These factors affect the structural integrity of the building too.
Interior sealants create a water-resistant barrier on the inside of the basement walls and floor. This barrier prevents water from seeping through from outside.
Remember, the interior sealant method is effective mostly for minor water damage. This technique is not sufficient for solving the main cause of the water seepage.
2 – Exterior waterproofing
Water infiltrating from outside the foundation walls is the main reason to make basements waterproof. Waterproofing the exterior of the basement requires excavating around the foundation on the outside and applying the best waterproofing products for concrete on the outer walls.
This method is effective and prevents water damage as well as preserves the structural integrity of the building. Still, exterior waterproofing of basements can be complex and expensive as it involves excavating around the building’s foundation.
This can result in repairing the landscaping and performing other minor repairs once the waterproofing process has been completed. Despite this, the method is highly reliable and offers a long-lasting solution against water seepage in basements.
3 – Interior waterproofing
The interior waterproofing method is used when condensation is the main source of water seepage in the basement. This method requires redirecting the water seeping into the basement through the floors or walls into the drainage system. This water is then removed from the basement with a submersible pump.
Normally, the drainage pipe is installed under the basement floor and tapers down toward the pump, which is itself fixed at the lowest point in the basement. The sump pump is programmed to automatically turn on when water levels rise over a certain point, and it effectively removes the water from the basement and keeps it away from the walls.
4 – Foundation cracks injection
Foundation cracks injection is another adequate method to prevent water seepage into basements through cracks in the walls and foundations of the underground space. This technique does not require excavating the soil surrounding the foundation of the house.
This technique involves filling a special syringe-like tool with epoxy or liquid polyurethane and injecting it into the cracks and gaps. The solution quickly hardens and forms a water-resistant layer that does not allow water to seep through.
This is one of the most popular basement waterproofing methods and highly useful to repair smaller cracks, but not as useful for cracks or fractures that can potentially harm the integrity of the structure. This waterproofing process can be quickly finished.
Conclusion
Using the right basement waterproofing methods offers numerous advantages, apart from preventing water damage. For instance, waterproofing products for concrete also contribute to a better indoor environment by preventing mold and mildew growth and improving overall air quality.
It also protects basement floors and prevents basement flooding. Besides this, waterproofing basements also ensures protection against damage to structural integrity and reduces energy costs.
