How To Sufficiently Waterproof Your Basement
Posted on: 5 June 2020
When it comes to your home, it's important to be proactive in protecting it. One part of your home that you need to protect that should not be overlooked is your foundation. A foundation that isn't properly waterproofed can lead to a wet basement, which can lead to mildew, mold, and settlement issues. Thankfully, with a proactive approach, you can have your foundation and basement sufficiently waterproofed for several years with just a few steps.
Set Up the Proper Drainage System
It is becoming more custom for new homes to be built with a drainage system around the footings of the home. If you have a home already built, it is possible to have drainage set up with minimal excavation. The small drainage pipes along the footings of the foundation have small holes in them that allow water in, and then the pipes lead the water away from the house. The drainage systems are designed to take on water that comes from below the ground, as well as water that comes from rainfall or snow. This type of drainage will prevent settling from occurring due to moisture building up around your foundation and make the ground soft.
Repair the Small Damage
It doesn't matter if your house is new; there could be small cracks that developed shortly after your home is built. In fact, most homes have some initial, minor settling. Whether your foundation is old or new, it's important to have a foundation repair contractor repair all cracks. Cracks in the foundation can easily spread if moisture gets in them, especially if there are freezing temperatures that follow.
Seal the Base Thoroughly
Once all damage is fixed, whether big or small, your foundation should be sealed with a cement sealant. Not only should the exterior of your home be sealed, but the interior should as well. Aside from a cement sealant, you can have your basement's interior and your foundation's exterior painted with waterproof paint. Waterproof paint also acts as a sealant, and it will be an added layer of protection against any moisture getting into your basement.
Basement waterproofing will preserve and protect the most important part of your home. The foundation has to be strong in order for your home to be structurally strong. A good foundation drainage system is the first line of defense against water. A little bit of damage can get bad really fast, so it's better to do what you can to fix the small damage and be proactive in properly sealing the basement.
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