Waterproofing your basement is a great way to protect your home from water damage and floods. We will be showing you different ways you can waterproof your basement.
5 Potential Sources of Water Leakage
If you employ a professional, you might end up spending thousands of dollars to get a whole flood-protection system built in your basement. However, if you’re doing it yourself, it’s all about identifying flaws. Examine the following areas in your basement to see if there is something that might lead to a leak or, worse, flood your home.
1. Pipes
Over the winter, the pipes are put under a lot of pressure as they transport water and waste to and from your house. Examine for any deterioration, expansion, or leakage that might contribute to larger issues later on.
If you find a crack or wear on a pipe, go to the nearest hardware store for fast water pipe patching and repair supplies — but be prepared to contact a specialist if the harm is serious or if the condition reoccurs.
2. Foundation Walls
When you notice a tiny crack in your basement wall, it is not always an indicator that your home demands urgent repair. However, adding epoxy will help deter moisture from entering your walls and house. Be sure to properly scrub the walls and follow the product’s directions.
3. Downspouts and Gutters
Rain and meltwater will pool around your house, seep into the dirt, and make their way into your basement if your gutters and downspouts are broken or clogged. Check the gutters and downspouts on a daily basis to ensure they are not disconnected, full of leaves, or too run down to function properly.
4. Window Wells
It’s important to keep your window wells from flooding or leaking — your window wells bring in natural light which can aid with ventilation, but if they’re not properly sealed, they can be a hazard to your basement. Check that the window is the correct size and that the cover is tightly fastened. Additionally, if there is a drain, ensure that it is properly functioning and be vigilant in testing the opening for any debris that might get in and cause a clog. Adding gravel to the bottom of the window well will also aid with drainage.
5. Sump Pump
If you don’t take care of one of your key defenses against basement floods, it will work against you. Check that your sump pump is operating during the next rainstorm, that its parts are in decent working order, and that it is disposing of wastewater well enough away from your house.
Consider disconnecting the discharge hose from your house if it is placed above ground during times of cold weather. If the water in the hose freezes, it can prevent foundation water from being drained away from your home.
7 Different Ways to Waterproof Your Basement
While foundation repair and floor damage rehabilitation should be left to qualified professionals, there are a few waterproofing projects you can do yourself to avoid basement flooding and reduce the chance of intrusive moisture. To keep your house safe and cozy, follow these basement waterproofing tips.
Aside from reducing the danger of rain and standing water, the advantages of waterproofing may include reducing musty odors, avoiding mold and dry rot, and protecting furniture and belongings from water damage.
1. Apply Waterproof Sealant to Walls and Floor
Cracks in concrete or brick walls will sometimes occur, causing water to seep in from the outside. Don’t panic if you don’t know how to seal basement walls; it’s typically as easy as covering the break with hydraulic concrete and painting the broken surface with masonry waterproofing spray.
If the paint is peeling, try scraping it first and check for leakage beneath. Until waterproofing basement walls, carefully scrub the floor with a wire brush to clear any remaining deposits. Before trying to re-paint, apply a thick coat of waterproof sealant and allow it to dry thoroughly.
2. Choose Waterproof Carpeting Materials
If your basement has flood control problems, carpeted surfaces will take a beating. Fortunately, there are precautions you should take to keep them safe from leaks and standing water. If you have bare floors or are looking to repair them, waterproof carpeting could be a smart investment if your basement has already flooded or has condensation problems.
Install water-resistant carpet pads to create a barrier between your basement floor and the carpet. Even if standing water isn’t a problem in your basement, carpeted areas, including those beneath your furniture, should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent mold formation.
3. Buy a Dehumidifier
If your basement waterproofing activities are directed at reducing musty, subterranean humidity and condensation, a residential dehumidifier device might be the answer. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air so they can dampen and harm walls, carpeting, furniture, and other surfaces.
Dehumidifiers come in a variety of styles, but the majority of them tap directly into wall sockets and can be drained on a daily basis as their catch basins become complete. Many may also be outfitted with hoses that allow them to constantly discharge into a washtub or floor drain, removing the need to empty them manually.
4. Keep Wood Surfaces and Water Separate
Dry rot may occur when water or excessive moisture comes into contact with wooden surfaces and structures for an extended period of time, especially support beams and floorboards.
Eliminating possible sources of excess moisture, such as leaking pipes that come into contact with the wood, is a significant step in preventing dry rot in the future. To reduce the risk of dry rot, the wood should also be kept apart from the soil covering the foundation.
5. Look for Outdoor Issues
Even though mildew, peeling paint, and dry rot may occur indoors, they are often aggravated by external causes. When waterproofing your basement, test your gutters and downspouts for leakage, which will allow rainwater to flow straight toward your foundation.
6. Long-Term Damage Control
Waterproofing provides more than just protection from destruction and expensive repairs; it also provides peace of mind. Aside from the restorative and preventative projects discussed here, there are additional precautions homeowners may take to be more prepared in the event of unexpected water harm.
If the water table on your property is at or at the same level as your basement, a sump pump could be a wise investment to divert water away from the building and avoid basement flooding. If you’re still nervous about floods, try positioning your possessions so that they don’t come into close contact with the ground.
7. Turn to the Professionals
If you’re having trouble containing frequent leaks or flooding in your basement during rainstorms, there may be a number of contributing factors that are beyond your control. Addressing these basement waterproofing issues necessitates specialist preparation and supplies, so it is better to obtain guidance or service from a professional.