Waterproofing is a necessity for homeowners, whether they are building a new home or buying an existing one. Water damage can be expensive to fix and could even be dangerous for the health of family members, especially if a mold or mildew problem is present. It can also devalue a property and increase the risk of structural problems in the house.
Basement waterproofing methods are designed to prevent Permadry website water infiltration in a residential home. The method used depends on the source of the water and the location in which the waterproofing is needed. There are interior and exterior basement waterproofing methods that can be used, depending on the specific situation.
The most common cause of leaks and moisture in a home is the foundation itself. When a house is built, a large concrete foundation is paved, called the footer, on which the walls of the house are built. Waterproofing is vital to make sure that the wall and footer don’t leak or damage the foundation of a house.
Inside the house, there are many things that can lead to basement leaks and moisture problems. These include cracks in the walls and foundation, leaking pipes, or just old age and changing weather conditions causing distress to bricks and mortar over time. Interior basement waterproofing can be done with sealants and coatings, which are injected into the cracks in the foundation and wall to create a barrier that prevents moisture and leaks. These coatings usually last a long time and come with extended warranties.
There are also more extensive methods of interior basement waterproofing, such as installing a drain tile system in the floor of the basement. This involves excavating a trench along the basement walls, filling it with pea gravel and perforated drain tile, installing a sump pit for collecting water, and then pouring a new concrete foundation floor on top of the trench. This is a costly project, but it can be the most effective way of waterproofing the basement.
Besides cracks, another sign that a basement needs waterproofing is when the walls are damp or covered in white streaks. These are caused by salt and other minerals being left behind when water evaporates off of the wet walls. This can deteriorate the wall and lead to a cave-in or other structural issues in the house.
The best way to identify the source of a moisture problem is by conducting a test. Using a piece of aluminum foil, press it against the wall where the moisture is coming from. If the foil becomes wet or feels slimy to the touch, it means that outside water is seeping through the basement walls. This is a good indicator that it is time to call in a professional for waterproofing. Fixing sagging gutters and adding downspout extensions can help as well by diverting rainwater away from the basement instead of towards it. Also, making sure that clogged gutters are cleaned out regularly will help keep them working properly and prevent flooding of the basement.