When it comes to your basement, it is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ it will have a water leakage issue. Basements are prone to wetness because of their underground location. If you neglect damp basements, then they will become breeding ground for mold and fungus which can cause respiratory diseases or skin allergies.
For those who are clueless about basement waterproofing, here is everything you need to know.
What causes basement moisture?
Some common causes of basement moisture are improper drainage installation, clogged gutters and cracks. If the ground around your foundation slopes towards it instead of being directed away from it, it causes water to frequently accumulate around your foundation.
Houses that have plants or trees too close to the foundation may also suffer from damp basements because of constant water exposure.
Why is waterproofing needed?
Your basement is constantly exposed to water in the form of rain or groundwater. When water gathers around your foundation, it is subjected to gravity which perpetually pushes it downwards. This phenomenon is called hydrostatic pressure.
The water then tries to get away from this pressure and puts pressure on your basement floors or walls.
This is how cracks and holes are formed on the walls and floors of your basement.
If you don’t seal these cracks in time, water will seep into the interior of your basement and there is a high probability that your basement will flood when it rains heavily.
Different ways to waterproof
Your choice of basement waterproofing method depends on various factors like the nature of your construction, level of construction, soil type and the depth of the foundation.
Interior waterproofing
Interior waterproofing is comparatively easier and you can do it on your own.
- Before waterproofing any surface, clean the affected walls or floors and remove the debris or the toxic molds so that the waterproofing solution sticks to them properly and will last for a long period.
- Scan your basement for cracks on the wall or floors and seal them with an interior waterproofing sealant.
- Make sure that you read the instructions behind the waterproofing solutions and apply the product correctly and let it dry completely.
- Invest in a dehumidifier for your basement as they will reduce basement condensation by removing moisture from the atmosphere, walls, and the floor.
Exterior waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing will require you to excavate and remove all the soil around your construction. Hence, it is advised to hire professionals to do this labor-intensive task. Exterior waterproofing is best done when your foundation is being constructed.
Some common exterior waterproofing methods include-
Waterproofing membrane – If you want a basement waterproofing method that will last you for a decade or even after that, install a waterproofing membrane. It is nothing but a synthetic material in a liquid form that hardens after being applied to a surface. The best part about applying a waterproofing membrane is that not only seals the existing cracks but also has a unique ability to expand and cover new cracks which might form in the future.
Sump pumps– The sump pumps extract excess water collected around your foundation and direct it away from the basement.
Drain Tiles – They too extract water from the ground and then direct it towards the sump pits, which then flush them away from the construction.
Other exterior basement waterproofing methods involve installing downspout extensions or caulking the area around the windows and the doors from the outside. Remember not to use plastic to waterproof your foundation as it will eventually wear off and make your basement susceptible to water leakage.
It is better to prevent than to repair. Waterproof your basement during construction so that you don’t have to worry about your basement getting flooded every monsoon or emptying your pockets to repair serious structural damages.
Check out the Asian Paints website if you are looking for advanced waterproofing solutions that will protect your basements for many years to come.