Are heavy rains spoiling your basement walls? Does the problem ring a bell in your ears? If your answer is in the affirmative, then worry not. Learn all about basement waterproofing right here. Find solutions to all your basement wall problems here. The technique of basement waterproofing involves a basic idea of preventing water penetration in the basement walls. The materials and equipment that are included are all handled by experts. Irrespective of the architecture, basement waterproofing should be completed right at the onset. This should be done to ensure that the building interiors have good and healthy air and is not affected by moisture.
Basement waterproofing is recommended for any building that is below the ground level as they require extra care. The process can involve steps like the application of sealants and also the installation of pumps and drains. If there is a high probability of groundwater accumulating up in the soil surface then drainage and waterproofing are a priority. The water present in this soil gives rise to hydrostatic pressure. As a result, the basement floor and walls allow the penetration of water and moisture. The pressure that is created forces water through small cracks on the wall’s which further cause structural damage.
The damages lead to the development of mold and many moisture-related issues which also includes decaying of the surface. There are numerous basement waterproofing professional services available that one can hire from their respective areas. For basement waterproofing cost, it would entirely depend on the problem and the area to be treated. Additionally, the civil works that will be involved will also be taken into consideration. For a proper estimate, it is suggested that one book for a visit with a supervisor. The site supervisor is the best person to suggest the treatment and cost involved in the process.
Basements are sensitive areas and are prone to water flooding which results in leakages and seepages. They require extremely good quality waterproofing but not many people pay much attention to this area. This makes it a highly ignored area in any building, be it commercial or residential. The basement of a building is an area that cannot be ignored and needs care as much as any other part of the building. One can simply not ignore the importance of a basement and it’s utility. In case the waterproofing has not been done initially, it is possible to get the area rectified for the future. With professional service, correct treatment, best quality products, and right workmanship get a waterproof basement.
Any expert who visits the site to complete the evaluation will suggest the treatment basis the issues that can be seen. The most important part is to look out for all the water sources and analyze the cause of the leakage. There are many ways to waterproof a basement which will be shared here.
Steps involved in waterproofing basement walls done by professional
- Proper site evaluation
- Detailed study and analysis of water sources
- Recommendation of the best and most effective way of waterproofing
- Sealing if water sources and leakages
- Check out the water sources – the importance of this step cannot be avoided as this is the first and foremost step to waterproof the basement. To act upon any problem, the problem area must be found out. Once this is accomplished, the treatment becomes easy in waterproofing basement walls.
Treatment involved in basement waterproofing
In case there is no direct water leakage source, and the dampness is caused due to ground and rainwater, the steps to be followed are –
Step 1- Preparation of the surface
The plaster layer has to be removed from the damp areas of the brick surface. This then needs to be thoroughly cleaned with high-pressure pumps, hard-bristled brushes and detergents. All dust, dirt, and debris should be removed as any obstacle will not let the waterproof coat work effectively. The wall needs to be free of any damages that are on the surface as the coating will also get damaged on such a surface.
Step 2- Sealing the surface
Once step one is completed, all the visible cracks should be filled with sealant material which is polymer-based. If any grouting or repairing is required, that should also be done in this step. Sealing the cracks is important as the waterproofing material will be applied on an even surface and it will not enter the cracks. Basement crack repair steps need specially formulated products for them.
Step 3- Material application
If the material is a powder, it has to be mixed with water in the mentioned ratio. The second option is to go for a pre-mixed, polymer-based material. Both are strong and can be applied as per the wall issue. This material should be applied in 2 coats and the drying time between each coat should be as mentioned. The coating, if using a powered one, should not be too watery as it needs to have some elasticity to it. This coating has high tensile properties which make it strong as well as flexible. If at any point in time there are small cracks that occur, it will be covered due to the elastic property.
Step 4- Protective coating for better adhesion
A protective coating is recommended as it helps keep the binding material in place and let it remain unaffected. Any force of water can meet the wall, and the coating will guard the wall against this negative pressure.
Cracks on a basement wall are a very common issue and are caused by the moisture content. If not treated in time, these cracks allow water to seep in and cause molds and fungi on the surface of the walls. Basement wall crack repair is necessary and there is more than one reason. The cracks are a result of immense lateral pressure that comes from the soil and as a result, the walls start bowing out. Furthermore, there are diagonal cracks as well that runs from the top of the wall to the floor. This is also caused due to soil pressure – pressure from both top and bottom forces the wall to bow out.
Cracks on basement walls are very dangerous as they do not develop suddenly their growth takes a few years. Not all cracks are even visible to the naked eye and they are known as hairline cracks. Over sometime, these cracks damage the walls in many ways which leads to structural damages. The problems they cause are –
- Buckling of walls – Due to the hydrostatic pressure walls start to bow either inward or outward.
- Peeling of paints – Another visible problem happens when water seeps in through the cracks. This further leads to mold, bacteria and fungi development and black patches on the wall.
- Efflorescence on the surface – This happens due to the presence of chemicals and salt in the water. The result is a white powdery substance that can be seen on walls adjacent to the floor. If not checked and treated, this keeps growing on the height of the walls.
- Mold development – This happens when the breath-ability of a wall decreases and happens on a damp surface.
If the question is about the worth of basement waterproofing, your question will be answered and explained here. Is waterproofing a basement worth it? Yes, definitely as this is the most valuable thing you can give your building. Basement waterproofing is extremely important and a very beneficial repair service one can think of. However, basement waterproofing does depend on a lot of factors such as the area the building is on, the extent of repair required, the condition of the building, etc. This is an expert service that should be considered for the wellbeing of your home and office. Basement waterproofing is worth the expense and immensely helpful as an entire service.
Waterproofing of a basement is also beneficial in the long run as it increases the value of the property. Imagine buying a property that has a basement that is damp and patchy. No one would want to invest in such a property, but get waterproofing done and see the result. The moisture from the basement may even lead to a damp kitchen or any other interior area. The interior decor might be very beautiful and trendy, yet the moisture will decrease all the value. This is a two-way thing that is being explained – it helps in increasing the worth of the property as well as gives pleasure to the eyes.
Who would want to look let alone buy a property with a basement that has cracked walls and mold growth? It is not only the aesthetics of the structure that is a concern but also the physical and financial health of the owner. If the basement waterproofing is not done soon, over time the effects will be harmful to both the wall and your pocket. The expenditure might be double as the damage will keep growing which should not be the case.
This may even go up to the extent where home insurance policies cannot be taken into consideration. If any form of damage is noticed, do not hesitate to call an expert and get site supervision completed. If the basement has any signs of damages from water and its sources, forget putting it up on the real estate market without getting it fixed. Always look for a certified and professional site inspector to get the problems fixed. This is the most important step because once you put your property out for sale and a negative remark goes out in the market, the price will keep decreasing.
Thinking of how to fix basement flooding?
A flooded basement is a major threat to not only the beauty of your home but also its hygiene. Standing or still water in a basement, in addition to damaging the base, also causes mildew and mold development. They further destroy the interior furnishing and other household items. To remove the floodwater from a basement, follow the simple steps.
Turn off all electrical utilities
It is advisable to turn off all the electrical utilities and work in an area that is electricity and gas-free. This is to ensure that there are no accidents or injuries as there are chances when the mains are on.
Check the exterior wall of the building
The exterior of a building is prone to many natural occurrences and it might be a storm, heavy rain, fallen trees, etc. Have a look at the exterior and find out the problem source and effects before working on the interior surface.
Ventilate the area properly
Open all the available doors and windows of the basement to let air in and dry out the space. Additionally, you can also use blowers and air-dryers to dry the space of all moisture.
Pump and remove flood deposition
Pump the water a few inches down if the case is severe as this is the only solution to start with the work. Ensure that there is enough time duration between each time the pumping takes place. This is to ascertain that the water goes down deep below and does not create any further havoc. How to fix basement flooding involves steps that start from scratch. Once the problem areas are found out, the treatments become easier and more zone specific.
Change the filters and vents
Filters and air vents are extremely vulnerable to dampness and moisture. This affects the health of all individuals negatively. The best way to get rid of this unhealthy air is to replace all the air filters and vents. Filters and vents that are water damaged reduce the efficiency of air inside and initiates mold and mildew development. This makes the air inside harmful and contaminated with a lot of pollutants.
Always talk to a professional basement waterproofing service before starting the work as they are the best people to provide you with guidance. If you don’t know one I may be able to round you up a number for one!
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