Basement waterproofing is often necessary for older homes as well as newer ones. Many people use basements for their storage facilities such as their hobbies and businesses. Waterproofing can also help prevent damage to the building itself. Waterproofing does not have to be a complicated process. In fact, it is one of the simplest types of home improvement work you can do to protect your home.
Basement waterproofing generally includes materials and processes used to keep water out of a basement or an area below ground level. Waterproofing a basement will generally require the application of waterproofing materials, the installation of sump pumps and drains, and the proper installation of basement windows and doors. The amount of space waterproofed will vary based on where you live. This is because some areas are naturally more susceptible to water than others. For instance, the ocean tends to have much more water in the soil than lakes and rivers, which means that the spaces in between the soil particles is usually more open and can hold more moisture.
The first step to waterproofing your basement is to make sure that it is completely dry. This will mean that you should turn off the electricity, heater, air conditioner, pool pump, and any other similar items that you think might contribute to moisture. You should also remove any landscaping from the area. Once these things are turned off, you can get started on waterproofing the basement. There are several different methods to waterproofing basement floors, but some of the easiest include applying paint to the floor using a paint sprayer and then wiping away excess paint with a rag.
Basement waterproofing material options will vary depending on your location. Some waterproofing materials will work better in certain locations than others. For instance, basement walls will generally need to be reinforced by concrete and gypsum board. Vinyl is also an option for waterproofing basements, although it can be quite messy.
You should start waterproofing your basement by making repairs. Any cracks or leaks in the walls or floor must be repaired. If you have been keeping up with routine maintenance, this shouldn’t be too difficult. However, if you have not, you should consider hiring a basement waterproofing company. They will come out and do the work, saving you time and money in the long run.
You can install a sump pump and drainage system to prevent the basement from becoming flooded. In addition to preventing water from flooding the basement, a sump pump will also keep dirt and debris out. Before you get started, you should have a full inspection of the basement by someone who knows how to inspect for such items. You may also hire someone who is knowledgeable about basement waterproofing to help you install the system if you are not familiar with the technical aspects.
Once the inspection has been completed and all of the necessary repairs are made, waterproofing the basement will begin. The first step is to apply a waterproofing agent that will effectively seal the materials against moisture. This will most likely be a combination of acrylic and silicon based waterproofing agents. You will also want to lay materials over the basement walls to help seal them as well. Once this is complete, you can begin to waterproof the basement. Waterproofing can be quite time consuming and costly, but if you use quality products and follow instructions, you should be able to waterproof your basement without having to spend a lot of time on the project.
It may take several years before you can totally prevent water from getting into the basement, but waterproofing the basement will make it much easier to clean up if water does get into the basement. When you waterproof the basement, you also protect it from future water damage. This will make your basement last longer and be much less expensive to repair in the long run. The cost of waterproofing will depend on how much the basement is worth and how much waterproofing will have to be done. To learn more about waterproofing visit Weather-tite Waterproofing Inc.