Although it seems rather easy to waterproof a basement, there are many things that you must consider first. In fact, many of the things that you’ll read about here are not discussed often. Before you buy you start, consider the following tips.
How does waterproofing work in the basement and what exactly needs to be done?
Let’s take a look at the time and tested waterproofing of basement and how it works.
If you can see a home being built the contractor first surveys the lot using the blueprints for the home to be built; then he sights out the lot to find out the best place to start digging and grading the property, then he lays the footer or foundation and begins building the basement walls, lastly the balance of the home follows.
From this list the most vital point is the top one – the vast crater dug in the earth
The construction of basement walls invariably leaves a void on the exterior which requires backfilling. Loose backfill is used to fill in the gap. Well compacted or not, introducing a huge pile of loose backfill is going to cause problems. Water will always flow in the path of least resistance.
This area is going to have water constantly seeping into it. Sometimes, creating a problem is the drainpipe that gets full of silt contained in many systems when waterproofing a basement. It’s natural enough, the water is bringing all sorts of suspension with it. When these pipes get filled the system overloads and a lot of water pressure gets applied to the outside walls of the basement. Water will work its way through even the smallest gaps, even though basement walls are waterproofed in some way.
The problem of this type is not easily rectified. The reason is that the pipes which are supposed to take away the excess water are gradually getting deteriorated and worsen over time.
A lot of the time a huge mistake is made by not providing access to these pipes. In an attempt to keep excess moisture out basement waterproofing also can be put onto the outer walls of the basement. Usually this is called a tanked system.
Drained cavity basement waterproofing is a better system that works by getting rid of water pressure in the walls. To protect the property water is controlled, collected and then made to pass through hidden drainage channels which are either natural drainage or sump pumps.
Waterproofing a basement is when they are installed internally, have easy access ports for removing silt, and can be installed in basements where other methods have failed.
So to summarise, good basement waterproofing will:
- not disturb landscaping, decks, patios, driveways, etc
- usually be an approved waterproofing method for home loans
- often be substantially cheaper than other waterproofing methods
- usually be a permanent or long-term solution
- stop both ways by which water can enter through the walls and up from the floor
Choose a reputable basement waterproofer when protecting your home, remember it is economically foolish not to waterproof, because the increased value from waterproofing will definitely exceed the cost of the waterproofing.
In conclusion, you want a basement waterproofing system that will deliver:
- an approved method by home loan lenders
- not disturb the exterior appearance of your home
- more affordable than other methods
- stop water through the floor and walls
- a permanent or long term fix
While you are getting the house made you need to realize that waterproofing is more of an investment in the value of your house rather then an expense.
As you can see, the problem of basement waterproofing is not uncommon and there are steps that can be taken to make your life a lost easier when dealing with it.
