Successful Basement Waterproofing In 6 Easy Steps
Basements are prone to moisture accumulation, and that is never a good thing; water can do a lot of damage over time and such a setting would be conducive for mold growth.
You need not worry though because even if you are not that comfortable with the prospect of having to waterproof your basement yourself, there are basement sealing experts that can do the job for you.
Basement waterproofing professionals would take care of the following: 1.
Prep work This is technically not part of the actually basement waterproofing process but it is nevertheless an important aspect.
This involves inspecting the area to find out what the cause of the problem is (i.
e.
cracks in the foundation, a pipe connected to the outside, etc.
).
You will have to get the water out.
If there isn't much water, using a washcloth would be enough; otherwise, a sump pump may be needed, and basement waterproofing professionals have that equipment.
2.
Foundation repair A crack in the foundation is usually the culprit.
Water easily seeps through these cracks and while they may not really cause damage to your house outright; and not doing anything about those cracks would cause a lot of problems in the future.
This is why basement foundation repair is important.
Using a narrow hollow rod to apply polyurethane sealants, cracks can be sealed.
Some sealants turn into a thick, waterproof foam when a fine mist of water is sprayed.
Some experts use sodium silicate sealers that are applied by using a brush, a garden sprayer, or a roller.
3.
Finishing the basement for waterproofing The thing is, basement waterproofing is not just about sealing cracks.
Your basement was probably constructed using concrete, and that material is naturally porous.
This means that water can easily get in even when the cracks have been dealt with.
Waterproofing experts would apply waterproof paint to take care of that issue.
There are even cases when the installation of an interior membrane is required for an additional layer of protection.
4.
Double checking for inside-outside connections Water can also penetrate via an opening that has been overlooked so every tube, pipe and conduit should be checked to make sure that there isn't anything that would allow a significant amount of water in.
5.
Water damage restoration Of course, replacing all the water damaged goods would be up to the homeowner, but basement waterproofing experts can take care of drying, cleaning and even disinfecting the surface to make the area live-able.
6.
Mold lookout Many waterproofing specialists are also mold removal professionals.
Still, you will need to be on your guard against water damage and mold, especially since those organisms can cause harm to your family's health.
Mold and mildew is likely to come back when your basement becomes more habitable for them.
Basement waterproofing is not a one-time thing.
Cracks may appear again and you may need to reapply waterproof paint after a while.
But that's a small price to pay for keeping water damage at bay - and for ensuring you family's safety.
You need not worry though because even if you are not that comfortable with the prospect of having to waterproof your basement yourself, there are basement sealing experts that can do the job for you.
Basement waterproofing professionals would take care of the following: 1.
Prep work This is technically not part of the actually basement waterproofing process but it is nevertheless an important aspect.
This involves inspecting the area to find out what the cause of the problem is (i.
e.
cracks in the foundation, a pipe connected to the outside, etc.
).
You will have to get the water out.
If there isn't much water, using a washcloth would be enough; otherwise, a sump pump may be needed, and basement waterproofing professionals have that equipment.
2.
Foundation repair A crack in the foundation is usually the culprit.
Water easily seeps through these cracks and while they may not really cause damage to your house outright; and not doing anything about those cracks would cause a lot of problems in the future.
This is why basement foundation repair is important.
Using a narrow hollow rod to apply polyurethane sealants, cracks can be sealed.
Some sealants turn into a thick, waterproof foam when a fine mist of water is sprayed.
Some experts use sodium silicate sealers that are applied by using a brush, a garden sprayer, or a roller.
3.
Finishing the basement for waterproofing The thing is, basement waterproofing is not just about sealing cracks.
Your basement was probably constructed using concrete, and that material is naturally porous.
This means that water can easily get in even when the cracks have been dealt with.
Waterproofing experts would apply waterproof paint to take care of that issue.
There are even cases when the installation of an interior membrane is required for an additional layer of protection.
4.
Double checking for inside-outside connections Water can also penetrate via an opening that has been overlooked so every tube, pipe and conduit should be checked to make sure that there isn't anything that would allow a significant amount of water in.
5.
Water damage restoration Of course, replacing all the water damaged goods would be up to the homeowner, but basement waterproofing experts can take care of drying, cleaning and even disinfecting the surface to make the area live-able.
6.
Mold lookout Many waterproofing specialists are also mold removal professionals.
Still, you will need to be on your guard against water damage and mold, especially since those organisms can cause harm to your family's health.
Mold and mildew is likely to come back when your basement becomes more habitable for them.
Basement waterproofing is not a one-time thing.
Cracks may appear again and you may need to reapply waterproof paint after a while.
But that's a small price to pay for keeping water damage at bay - and for ensuring you family's safety.
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