Everything you Need to Know about Interior Waterproofing
Waterproofing your basement is absolutely vital, as even just s small water leak could cause a lot of issues. When moisture builds up it has the potential to damage your basement, anything you store in your basement and your home’s structure. what’s more is if your basement is allowed to get very damp there’s always a chance that any mold that’s produced could affect your breathing. This is why it’s important that you waterproof your basement adequately.
What causes moisture in a basement?
Improper drainage
If groundwater and rain are unable to drain away easily it can reach your basement and start to cause problems. Having poor drainage is one of the main reasons why basements become damp. If water is not adequately directed from your home via your drainage system or soil, it can gather in the foundations. Water will always find a place to go if there is one, and if it can reach your basement it will.
Poorly Maintained Gutters
Gutters are made to direct any rainwater away from your home’s foundation. If a gutter is poorly maintained or incorrectly installed in the first place they will not work correctly. This could result in water draining around and possibly into your foundation.
Maintaining your gutters by clearing away any leaves and dirt is a job that should be carried out at least four times a year.
Inadequate Slope
Ideally, the ground that surrounds your home’s foundation should slope away from your home. If your slope runs towards your home or it does not slope away properly it will cause a few issues. Water will start to accumulate around the foundation causing damp.
Hydrostatic Pressure
When water starts to gather around the foundation hydrostatic pressure occurs. Gravity will naturally push down on the water and it will look for an escape route. When the water finds an escape route hydrostatic pressure is relieved. If there is a crack in the walls of your basement its floors the water will find its way through. The pressure of the water can be so violent that it can cause even more cracks to appear.
Basement Cracks
Cracks that are present your basement walls and floors are ideal for water that wants to get through. Cracks around the doors and windows in your basement are also ideal. If there is no or little resistance in the cracks water will get through.
Condensation
When condensation hits a wall it can bring mold and mildew with it. What’s more is condensation has the potential to damage your basement. This is why it’s essential that you deal with any moisture that appears in your basement, no matter how inconsequential it may seem.
How to Deal with Moisture
Applying a Sealant
Waterproofing your basement from the inside is usually the cheapest and easiest way to deal with any moisture. You can start waterproofing your basement by sealing any holes or cracks in your walls, windows, doors, and your floor. The holes and cracks need to be watertight and correctly sealed.
You can buy special waterproofing sealants that are easy to use and effectively keep moisture out. What’s more is many sealants come with warranties that guarantee they’re going to work. Creating a good barrier against water, sealants such as these can be used in walls and floors. However, sealants do not get rid of any underlying problems that cause the moisture, they simply create a barrier to help prevent even more moisture getting in.
Applying a Membrane
One benefit of applying a waterproof membrane is that they have the ability to move and flex when new cracks appear. Membranes are typically made from modified polyurethane materials and can be sprayed or troweled on so your foundation’s wall is sealed. A membrane will ensure that the foundation’s wall is protected from water outside.
Installing a Thermal Armor Vapor Barrier
A Thermal Armor Vapor Barrier works to isolate any condensation and save you energy. Acting as an insulator you will not have to worry about your walls as it will put a stop to mold in your basement. Working as a barrier on a continuous basis, structure condensation can be a thing of the past. However, a vapor barrier will only prevent condensation it cannot prevent water from coming in through your flooring or windows and doors.
Installing a Drainage Mat
Installing a drainage mat that has molded dimples can help to protect moisture. The mat helps to create gaps between the foundation and the wall. This allows moisture to travel down to the drain.
Installing Wall and Floor Membranes
A wall and floor membrane is perhaps one of the best ways to help prevent damp and ensure your basement is waterproof. This is one of the best options to use if you are refinishing your basement. Membranes such as this do not crack, peel, or chip. What’s more is a membrane such as this is sprayed on and gets to work in seconds.
Installing a Pressure-Relief System
If you were to consult a professional about your waterproofing concerns they may advise you to add a pressure relief system. A system such as this is can help to relieve any hydrostatic pressure. Installed in the basement’s floor the wider and deeper you can dig the better outcome you will get.
Using a Sump Pump
If you choose to use a sump pump you must make sure that you use one with a pressure relief system. If you do not use a system such as this the sump pump will be useless. Water is collected in a French Drain and the sump will move the water from your home. A 1/3 horsepower pump has the power to move up to 2,400 gallons of water from your home every single hour. Depending on your basement’s size you may only need one sump pump, however, some home’s need more. You should have one sump pump for approximately every 120 (Interior) feet. The sump pump will need to have a backup system that works using a battery just in case you have a power outage.
Using an EPA Mold Coating
You may need the help of a professional to remove any mold in your basement. An EPA-rated mold coating can be added to your foundation’s walls to ensure that you’re exposed to a lot less mold. While a coating such as this does not eliminate any damp it can help to prevent harmful mold developing.
Using a Dehumidifier
If your basement is damp you may want to use a dehumidifier. Make sure you opt for a dehumidifier that can easily handle the damp in your basement. The good news is that dehumidifiers use a lot less power than they used to. Dehumidifiers work to prevent mold and rot while controlling the amount of moisture in your basement. While dehumidifiers do not prevent damp from entering your basement they can help remove it once it’s there.
Contact Us
If you would like to speak with us regarding your basement waterproofing, contact us using the form below for a free, no-obligation quote. We are happy to assess your issue and advise on the best solution for you.