Are you a homeowner who is interested in waterproofing their basement? Or are you in the real estate business looking to make your next home more valuable for selling? Either way, waterproofing a basement has a great deal of benefits.
Waterproofing a basement is necessary to stay stable and safe for human housing and make it much more comfortable to live in. Basements that are not waterproofed smell bad, always experience a leak or minor flooding, and cannot be safe to live in for long periods of time.
It is not advisable to store belongings or live in a damp, soggy basement since it smells terrible and is likely to develop mold problems. There are several causes of water seepage, leaks, floods, and dampness in basements; some are simple to remedy, while others call for assistance from a professional in basement waterproofing. Mold growth, structural issues, and poor indoor air quality can all be avoided using a reliable basement waterproofing solution.
However, how do these professionals waterproof a basement? What are the methods they use? To find the answers to all these questions, keep reading this article.
The 3 main methods of professional basement waterproofing
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all method for waterproofing a basement. The source of the issue, your home's location, and the kind of foundation you have will all affect the best course of action for your house.
Here are some details on the most popular interior and exterior basement waterproofing techniques to help your decision-making.
Sealants and epoxy injections
Although sealants and epoxy injections are sometimes viewed as temporary repairs, some homeowners choose these solutions when installing a drainage system that is out of their price range. These masonry waterproofing materials are applied to prevent moisture from leaking through basement walls. Applying sealants over painted walls or efflorescence is not recommended (white mineral deposits forming on concrete walls' surface). When the foundation walls expand and compress, the substance in many epoxy injections might break, which is a regular issue.
Instead of breaking like mortar-based alternatives, this method uses a mix of a flexible sealant, porous foam, and an impermeable membrane to stop leaks. To prevent flooding, it's crucial to establish a drainage system in addition to patching up leaking wall fractures.
Interior drainage
Waterproofing a basement from the inside is the ideal option for most homes since it is more affordable and less intrusive than excavating on the outside. Digging a trench around the inner perimeter of the basement floor, building a drain, and adding a sump pump are all parts of an internal drainage system, often known as a French drain.
French Drain
A french drain is a trench that is lined with gravel, rock, or both to move groundwater and surface water away from a specific location. A french drain may or may not include a perforated pipe. French drain installation can extensively secure the home against water damage.
Sump pump
A sump pump is a device that pumps water out of a basin, collects water, and is typically seen in the basements of homes.
Exterior drainage
When waterproofing a foundation from the outside, the outer walls are frequently coated with polymers and membranes, a trench drain is buried, or both techniques are used. When done correctly, outside drainage can successfully waterproof a basement, but costs are involved.
Cost and the potential for blockage are the two main drawbacks. Excavation is first expensive and very disruptive. The fact that external drains are prone to clogging, which may cause a basement to flood, is another drawback.
Now that you know the methods professionals use to waterproof a basement, here is what you need to remember: your home is unique in its structure and its foundation. No two homes are alike; therefore, every home has different needs. Which method you may choose to waterproof your basement depends significantly on the following:
- Your budget
- The requirements of your home
- The availability of options
With this in mind, you may consult a professional about your waterproofing concerns.
Basement waterproofing cost
Just like how your decision to waterproof your home can differ from others, so too can the price. You may be asking, “How much does basement waterproofing cost?” but the answer depends on a multitude of factors. These factors include:
- The size of your basement
- The condition your basement currently is in
- Where you live; the region of your location
- Your budget
- How many bathrooms do you have in your basement
- How many rooms do you have
- What type of waterproofing method do you choose
All these factors play a huge role in deciding what waterproofing your basement will cost.
Conclusion
Though basement waterproofing can be quite a chore for the homeowner, it really doesn’t have to be. With the right contractors, your basement waterproofing job can be made that much easy in a short amount of time. Contact Zavza Seal LLC today and have your cake and eat it too!
