Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing can actually be carried out from the inside or the outside of the home, However in already built homes it is usually it is applied to the inside. This is simply a rough overview and every basement waterproofing project is unique, each job site has its own conditions and specific requirements. Therefore most importantly ensure that you get help and expert advice before you commence.

Due to each basement being unique and having many different conditions, the type of basement waterproofing that is used is usually decided after the conditions have been taken inspected and a formal job quote has been put together. The specific use that the basement will have is taken into serious consideration because it will impact the type of methods used.

Both basement tanking and CMD systems can be used to deal with moisture and entering water but each damp proofing system results in different effects according to the structure. The water or moisture that enters the home is then directed towards sumps pumps or active draining systems. It is quite important to realise that this water needs to drain off somewhere, so any basement waterproofing system that does not incorporate a sump pump or active draining system is at increased risk of flooding as no damp proof membrane system can actually be expected to be able to hold back water

it is extremly important that when carrying out Basement waterproofing that you consult a qualified professional contractor with vast experience in the field, otherwise it can prove to be more costly and leave devastating problemss behind. make sure that you contact us if your considering waterproofing your basement and we can assist you in making the right, cost effective and safe decisions in regards to the method that you use.

Basement waterproofing refers to techniques that are used to prevent water/damp from entering the basement. Effective basement waterproofing will include both drainage and sealers.

Basement Waterproofing is required anytime that a structure is built at ground level or below ground level. Basement Waterproofing and drainage considerations are especially needed in cases where ground water is likely to build up in the soil and raise the water table. This higher water table causes what is known as “hydrostatic pressure” to be exerted underneath basement floors and against basement walls. Hydrostatic pressure forces water in through cracks in foundation walls, through openings caused by expansion and contraction of the footing-foundation wall joint and up through floor cracks. When Hydrostatic pressure occurs it can cause major structural damage to foundation walls and is likely to contribute to mold, decay and other moisture related problems.

Preventative Basement Waterproofing

Interior wall and Floor Sealers

Interior sealers will not provide your home permanent protection from water infiltration where hydrostatic pressure is present. Interior sealers are good for preventing high atmospheric humidity from absorbing into the porous masonry and to prevent spalling.

Spalling is a condition where constant high humidity or moisture breaks down masonry surfaces causing deterioration and shedding of the concrete surfaces.

Although interior water drainage is not technically basement waterproofing, it is a widely accepted technique in mitigating basement water and is generally referred to as a basement waterproofing solution

Interior Drainage Systems

Many interior drainage systems are patented as well as recognized by B.O.C.A (Building Officials and Code Administrators) as being effective in controlling basement water. They function by draining underground water from alongside the foundation footers and underneath the basement floor. They then channel it with a French drain, PVC pipe, or through a patented product to a sump pump system, which will then pump the water from the basement. Foundation sump pumps can be installed through do-it-yourself kits, plumber installations, or by a professional basement waterproofing contractor and generally come in plastic and cast-iron models.

Basement Waterproofing Simplified

Water enters the home via the basement wall/floor joint, through cracks in the foundation walls and/or holes created by faulty or decaying masonry/brick.
A perimeter trench drain such as a French drain collects the water before it enters into the basement.
Wall vapor barriers/cavity drain membranes are used and incorporated into the sub-slab perimeter drain to collect water coming from wall cracks and other foundation wall defects, such as pipe protrusions.
The drain directs the water to a sump pump.
The sump pump directs the water out of the house.

Interior basement waterproofing systems should be prepared to work in the case of a power outage, the failure of a sump pump, and in the face of overwhelming torrential rain. A proper sump pump, backup sump and/or battery backup sump pump should be installed in a large sump pit with an airtight lid for safety and to keep humidity from seeping through to the basement environment, where it can promote mold growth. This airtight practice will also reduce the possibility of dangerous radon gases for entering the living space.

Common Issues from insufficient waterproofing

Dry/Wet Rot: It has been proven that dry rot actually requires moisture to germinate and spread through a property. Both dry rot and wet rot fungi can cause severe damage to Framing in Basements
Rusting and corrosion of nails, screws, steel and iron fittings.
The appearance of mold on walls.
A moldy and musty smell.
Basements may become unusable.
Damage to decorations

If you have any of these issues in your home and you would like to speak to a professional contractor in your area contact us and we will get you on the path to enjoying every bit of available sapace in your home