When homeowners first move into their new house, most don’t consider the basement and what it needs. However, basements serve as the foundation of your home and therefore should be taken care of. One way to properly ensure a stable basement is waterproofing. Basement waterproofing is the action of reducing and preventing water from getting inside. The process involves using sealants or drains to effectively remove/prevent water excess. This treatment is usually required for structures built below or at ground level.
What are the possible causes of basement seepage?
- The foundation was not properly sealed at the time of filling
- The house was built on the lower part of the land making draining difficult since water flows downward
- Gutters and downspouts are clogged
Unfortunately, basements are prone to flooding since they are the lowest part of the house. The good news is that you can prevent water from getting inside right from the start!
Waterproofing Methods
- Interior Sealants
Applying an epoxy or urethane sealant to concrete cracks are strong enough to work through to the outside, preventing water from getting in. You can also apply a waterproof coating to the basement walls for further waterproofing. - Exterior
A great preventative measure of water seepage is to excavate the structure’s perimeter and apply a waterproof coating to the walls. This can take excess water away from the home to a drain system when then leads to a sump pump or down a slope. - Drainage System
If you already have water inside your basement or know that you are at risk, control it using a sump pump. This equipment will collect the water and push it away from your house.
Now that you know what basement waterproofing is, you can decide what method to use for preventing costly repairs and future headaches.
