One of the biggest challenges for a lot of homeowners in terms of house maintenance is the need for basement waterproofing. This, if not done correctly, will create a domino effect which may worsen over time. There are many methods used for waterproofing the basement, but it is a prime concern to be addressed if you identify any water-borne issues at your basement.
The ideal time to think of basement waterproofing is while the foundation of your building is made. Efficient waterproofing of the basement will make sure that the entire structure will stay strong for a longer period. During construction is also the ideal time to think of basement waterproofing as it is very easier to administer the process during construction than thinking of a cure later. It is also much easier to access the smaller spaces in the basement before they get closed during further construction over it, like the corners and the even areas where we install drainage pipes.
If you have bought an old house, then also you need to first give a thorough check to the basement in order to ensure that it is properly waterproofed to ensure the stability of the entire structure. It is ideal to call in a professional in order to assess the basement waterproofing and also if you need to administer appropriate waterproofing of the basement structure. On buying an old house, if you found basement waterproofing is not administered properly, then one of the first things to do in terms of home repair is to make the waterproofing done correctly.
Methods of basement waterproofing
There are two basic ways to administer waterproofing as:
- External basement waterproofing, and
- Internal basement waterproofing.
The most common method used for external basement waterproofing is the process of tanking. This is primarily by using a bonding substance or a membrane which is applied to the outer walls of the basement structure. One need also to ensure that tanking is done properly during the time of house construction also before your basement is getting underground.
Another method of doing external waterproofing is by creating a drainage system outside. In this approach, the basement may be constructed in a way that basement floors will be slopping towards the sump pump. In order to remove moisture from the basement, a honeycomb type plastic membrane is also applied to the floor and basement walls.
Usage of the French drain is also another unique method for waterproofing externally. This mode of waterproofing is applied on to houses, which are built in those places where there is high rainfall and the environmental moisture is at a higher level. External waterproofing is the only recognized method as per the international building standards in order to ensure maximum efficiency in terms of keeping water from the basement structure, causing any intense structural damages.
The internal or interior waterproofing methods are used to keep the moisture away from entering into the basement. A quality sealant will be applied to the basement walls and the floors in order to avoid moisture or water from seeping in. This sealant will also help keep mildew and molds away from accumulating and growing.
The interior sealants used for waterproofing and not technically the materials used in basement waterproofing, but they are used widely by finding the effectiveness of those while working with other types of basement waterproofing methods. In order to enjoy the best results, you have to administer both internal and external waterproofing at best.
In any case, it is essential to consider waterproofing as one of the primary essential need during your foundation creation as all your happiness related to home is primarily related to it. If you don’t maintain the foundation structure of your home in perfect condition, then the inhabitants are at high risk. The experts also recommend basement waterproofing to be the most important method to channel water away from home and thereby prevent the chance of any water seepage or leakage from outside and thus protecting the basement wall and flooring.
Since the invention of basement waterproofing methods, it is considered to be one of the most important aspects of home construction and maintenance, especially as the modern-day homeowners want to maximize the function of the basement and the security of the entire structure. From typical stockrooms to the basements of the garage, basements can be now made more functional and appealing with the help of proper basement waterproofing.
Optimizing space
As we have seen above, waterproofing is done to those basements, which has structural conditions more prone to the risk of water seepage. If your basement is located at the lowest part of the house and if it is also below the ground level, then there is a scope of water leaking into the basement walls and thereby weakening it over time. This natural dilemma may also be blamed due to the structural condition of your basement. The drainage method used may also cause water seepage into the basement.
Whatever the condition is, such issues can be curbed with proper basement waterproofing, which will help keep your basement dry throughout the year. You can also maximize your basement space also by transforming the waterproof basement into a functional portion of your house as the child’s playroom study room, or storeroom. No matter what your plans with the basement space are, it is imperative to apply the most appropriate waterproofing method to avoid any water-related catastrophes.
Choosing a contractor for basement waterproofing
There is a stiff competition in the home improvement services m market, which makes it very tricky to choose the best service for tasks like basement waterproofing. There are a lot of methodologies and materials too used for waterproofing, which makes it difficult for fellow homeowners to decide what to choose. The service marketers may lure you into believing that certain products or services as they offer may render the best basement waterproofing solutions.
The best approach is to conduct a basement evaluation with the help of an unbiased professional evaluator, who can suggest you the best waterproofing methods by considering the unique needs of your basement. With these suggestions in hand, you can approach various local basement waterproofing contractors to get customized quotes for your project and then compare the quotes along with the service quality of various providers to identify who will be the be choice to make.