The basement is one of the most tricky places in a house. It is generally situated under the ground level, hence, water somehow finds its way to the basement. And therefore, it is more prone to moisture than any other area of your home.
In any case, if this moisture reaches the foundation of your house, you are going to face a huge financial loss. To put it in simple words, if your basement is not strong, your house is at risk.
Moreover, moisture in the basement creates a damp and uncomfortable smell, which may become a breeding ground for molds and other bacteria. In fact, the wet basement can also lead to an infestation. This often leads to various allergic reactions to people in the house & rotting of the structure.
To get rid of all these problems, basement waterproofing is the only solution. And it becomes more significant if the structural position of your basement is prone to water seepage.
What is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing refers to a set of techniques used to prevent water from penetrating the basement. It is one of the effective ways to prevent leaking of walls and ceiling of the basement.
Basement waterproofing not only prevents moisture in the basement, but it also helps to make the space more functional. It keeps the space dry throughout the year so that you can transform the space to study room, children’s play or something similar.
Now, it is a common practice to waterproof basement walls during the time of construction. It ensures a moisture-proof basement and increases the resale value of the home.
It is the best technique to fix the leaks and cracks. If your home is located in a place where flash floods are common, basement waterproofing becomes imperative. When it is waterproofed, you can protect the property from water damage during floods.
Different Types of Basement Waterproofing
There are different methods to waterproof a basement. All the waterproofing solutions are listed into the two main categories; Interior and Exterior Basement Waterproofing. However, there is no single solution that is effective for all houses.
So, let’s discuss these two categories in detail:
1. Interior Remedies
One of the common reasons for basement moisture is cracks in the concrete foundation. By filling these cracks using sealants, you can prevent water from penetrating the foundation. In this process, special sealants are injected into the cracks which will block the path of the water trying to penetrate the foundation.
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This is one of the cost-effective and easy techniques for basement waterproofing. Alternatively, you can do waterproof coatings inside the walls and ceilings of the basement. For minor dampness and condensation issues, waterproof coatings are very helpful.
One can say sealing is the first line of defense against basement moisture. Although it is not a permanent solution to waterproof the basement, but an effective temporary solution.
There are a lot of companies that manufacture sealants to close the cracks in concrete. And most of them give you a long-term guarantee for their sealant products. However, if the hydrostatic force is higher, these sealants may not be an effective solution.
Also, if there is severe damage or major leaks or basement floods, sealants or waterproof coatings are a mere waste of money.
2. Exterior Remedies
If interior remedies are ineffective, there are a few exterior basement waterproofing methods. This is one technique by which you can stop water from entering the home and negates the chance of moisture in the foundation.
In this method, the contractor will dig around the house to the bottom of the foundation. The walls are sealed using polymers and membranes to coat the exterior walls of the foundation. Polymers and membranes are efficient waterproof materials. Additionally, the water is directed to a drain system to a slope or sump pump.
But this method works better during the time of construction. If it is done after the construction, it can turn to be disruptive and may sometimes clog the exterior drainage lines. This method should be done by professional contractors and will take a comparatively longer duration to complete it.
Exterior waterproofing methods are often costlier than the other methods. This is due to the cost of excavation and the quality of the materials involved. Although it is an expensive method, it adds significant value to the home. It protects the home and the foundation from all types of floods or damages.
Interior Water Drainage
Another common method to keep the basement free of moisture is to construct an interior water drainage system. This is the most effective basement waterproofing system which is cost-effective as well.
It takes 2-3 days to install the interior water drainage system. Installing pumps can also act as a DIY project. However, it is always better to hire the service of an expert professional basement waterproofing contractor to get it done correctly.
A drainage system is constructed to channel the excess water from the foundation of the home. This is achieved by using perforated footer drains which are installed around the perimeter of the home & will collect the water. With this system, you can avoid water build-up in the basement and prevent the hydrostatic pressure on the foundation of the walls.
Which Basement Waterproofing Method is Best Fit for your House?
As mentioned above, there is no one solution for all homes to keep the basement free of moisture. Each home asks for a customized type of basement waterproofing technique. To make an informed decision on basement waterproofing, it is always better to hire a professional expert who has in-depth knowledge of basement waterproofing.
The success of basement waterproofing depends on the type of solution and quality of products. Given the stiff competition in the market, people often get confused about choosing the right basement waterproofing method.
There are various factors to consider when you determine which basement waterproofing solution is the best for your home.
The seven tips that are listed below should be your top considerations.
1. Understand the Severity of Damage
One of the major factors to consider while choosing the basement waterproofing technique is the severity of damage that has occurred in the foundation. There are various signs that show there is a moisture problem in the basement.
Related Post – Basement Moisture: How To Identify And Prevent It?
Formation of small puddles, damp spots, rotting of the surface, musty odor, presence of a chalky substance, cracks in the walls, etc. are common examples of moisture problems in the basement.
The next step is to identify the cause of moisture. The remedial measure should be based on the source of moisture. If it is a small crack, you can resolve it using a sealant.
2. What are the Possible Options?
There are majorly three options when you think of basement waterproof solution – a temporary fix, a permanent solution, or a combination of both.
Crack injections, waterproof coating, replacement of sump pumps, etc. are temporary fixes that can be done quickly and it won’t cost you much. Long-term solutions will take a few days and cost you more. Interior drain installation, exterior drain pump installation, etc. are long-term solutions.
3. The Level of Disruption to the House
Some methods used in basement waterproofing can be quite disruptive for the home. For instance, the exterior drainage system needs substantial excavation work.
Think whether the excavation will affect the main household activities. It may sometimes affect the water supply or block the path to car parking. You may have to find alternative living arrangements when the work is carried out as it may take a few days to complete the process.
4. How Much Time Can you Allot for Basement Waterproofing?
On average, installing basement waterproofing systems can take from one to four days and sometimes it will take longer than that. Also, if there are adverse weather conditions or severe damage inside, the proposed time may get extended.
Any repair work in the home will cause a degree of inconvenience. Consider how much time you can allot for basement waterproofing. Also, give buffer time as the waterproofing system may get longer than the scheduled time due to unexpected events.
5. Interior or Exterior Drainage System – Which is Viable?
Installing drain tiles inside or outside is effective in keeping the basement moisture-free for a long time. It requires less maintenance throughout the lifetime of the property.
However, you should consider it is possible to install the drain tile in the interiors of the basement. In case the construction of the basement is not completed, you can think of installing drain tiles in the interiors of the basement.
Also, if you have a beautiful garden outside the home, then you may not want to dig the ground and spoil the landscape. You can consider an interior drain solution then.
6. The Cost Factor
Cost is another major factor to consider while you decide the type of basement waterproofing technique. If the issue can be resolved with a minor repair, you don’t have to worry about the basement waterproofing cost.
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However, if you continue to prolong the repair work after water damage, it may become severe, destruct the structure, and increase the cost incurred significantly.
Hence, it is not a wise step to put off the work until you find enough money. Instead, you can discuss various financing options with an expert and get the moisture problem away from the basement to keep your home safe.
7. How Do You Want to Utilize the Basement Space?
Ask yourself how you want to transform the basement space to make it functional. It is yet another major factor to consider while you decide the type of basement waterproofing technique.
You can turn the basement to wonderful office space, guest bedroom, home gym, family room, and much more. But keep in mind that even if you are not utilizing the basement space, it should be kept dry to increase the longevity of the structure.
You should also think about your plan for the future and how long you are planning to own the house. If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, you can think of a temporary solution to basement moisture. However, with long-term basement waterproofing, you can increase the resale value of the home.
Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It?
Given the various benefits, almost all experts agree on the fact that basement waterproofing is worth the expense. It is actually an investment you can make to your house to protect the existing structure from mold growth and structural damage.
Most of the basements get wet when rainwater flows towards it. Hence, taking relevant steps to keep the basement dry is essential for multiple reasons. By hiring a professional basement waterproofing contractor at affordable rates, you can keep the basement free of moisture and flooding.
Allow Us to Help You!
Are you worried about the basement moisture? Or have you bought a new home and confused about choosing the right basement waterproofing technique?
Allow the experts at the Dry Effect to help you. We are one of the sought-after names when it comes to basement waterproofing and mold remediation in and around Cincinnati.
Our technicians have many years of experience and in-depth knowledge about keeping the basement free from moisture and humidity. Therefore, can suggest the right method for your home.
All our basement waterproofing techniques come at affordable rates and we ensure timely completion of each of the projects. To know more about basement waterproofing and get a free estimate, please feel free to call us!
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