How to Choose the Right Waterproofing Solutions for Your Basement
Waterproofing a basement can help prevent structural damage, reduce health risks from mildew and mold, and increase the value of your home. Choosing the right solutions begins with researching local companies and comparing quotes to ensure your selected company uses high-quality materials that align with best practices.
Start on the outside by fixing gutters, adding downspout extensions, and ensuring that the soil next to your foundation has a 5-percent slope away from the house.
Sump Pumps
The sump pump is an essential basement waterproofing solutions for homes prone to flooding and those built below the water table. It drains floodwater from around the foundation to a safe spot outside, far away from the house.
The pump is powered by electricity and can be either a pedestal or submersible. Pedestal pumps are less expensive and easier to repair but take up more floor space. Submersible pumps are more expensive but save the homeowner money and time over the long run by eliminating the need for regular repairs.
Ideally, a backup system is also in place to ensure your basement stays dry even during power outages. This is an especially wise investment if your home is on a floodplain or near a river or lake.
A pump that’s sized correctly is crucial. It should be large enough to keep up with the flow of floodwater, but not so big that it wastes energy cycling on and off. A float switch or pressure sensor can activate the pump at a predetermined level. You can research further online, for example, you can visit https://www.adambasement.com/ to find out more information about sump pumps and waterproofing your basement.
If you want a more in-depth waterproofing solution, ask a plumber about installing a perimeter drain. This is a more involved job that involves jackhammering the floor in the low spots, establishing a grid of clean stone, and finally backfilling it with soil. A piping system is connected from the drain tiles to your sump pump pit.
Radiant Barriers
Waterproofing solutions can include a wide range of techniques. Some are short-term fixes, such as crack injections and waterproof coating. Others take longer, such as installing a drain or a new sump pump which may require substantial excavation work.
Considering how you plan to use your basement space before deciding on a waterproofing method is essential. Once you have decided on your chosen method, you will be able to look for companies that will be able to provide the necessary services for that space. If, for example, you were looking for tanking membranes or waterproof coatings, you might want to explore Concrete Remedial Systems to see if they might be a good fit for your project.
Suppose you intend to transform your basement into a home office, bedroom, family room, or other living space. In that case, you’ll need a waterproofing solution that protects against moisture damage to drywall and other finished materials. This is where a radiant barrier comes in. A radiant barrier is an insulation product with a reflective surface that can keep heat in your home while blocking moisture and odors.
Several types of radiant barriers are on the market but are recommended for wall systems. If you live in a damp climate, waterproofing in this way is vital. You’ll find that most London basements need waterproofing, for example, due to the regular rain and cold temperatures. It’s an easy way to upgrade your basement walls, improving energy efficiency and keeping mold and mildew from growing in the space. It’s also waterproof, with a vapor barrier that can direct water seepage into your perimeter drain.
The best radiant barrier on the market insulates the foundation walls while blocking water and odors. This product has a foam/foil/bubble design that prevents moisture intrusion while absorbing airborne odors. It also stops radon and keeps groundwater away from your home.
Waterproof Coatings
Waterproof paints are oil or latex-based materials that are brushed, rolled, or sprayed onto concrete surfaces. They claim to stop moisture penetration by coating the concrete continuously, but these paints are not designed to withstand high-pressure levels. Waterproof coatings can fail after only six months or two years. And once they die, mold will grow on the surface, unattractive and harmful to your family’s health.
When choosing a waterproofing contractor, look for a licensed and insured company. Ask friends, neighbors, and business associates for recommendations and verify their credentials by checking online reviews. Choose a company with the Basement Health Association (BHA) Waterproofing Certification.
BHA-certified contractors understand the importance of maintaining good relationships with customers and the local community. They must be able to address all of your questions and concerns regarding the services they provide, their pricing policies, and their warranty terms. In addition, they must be able to recommend additional measures you can take to reduce moisture in your home, such as equalizing air temperature to prevent condensation, running dehumidifiers, and repairing leaky pipes. They may also suggest addressing problems with the slope of your yard to divert water away from your home’s foundation or installing gutter systems.
Liquid Rubber Coating
Unlike traditional damp proofing, where thick rolls of impermeable material are bonded to the outside foundation walls, liquid rubber coatings can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on the outer wall surface. These elastomeric coatings are based on the same material used in car tires, and they are very durable, able to fill current small cracks and bridge future ones that may develop as the foundation wall settles over time.
They also are much easier to apply than standard paints, although you must be prepared to remove any painted surfaces on the basement walls, as sealer adheres best to bare masonry. It is also a good idea to prepare the walls for the sealer by blasting off efflorescence or using muriatic acid, as these chemicals will kill any mold, mildew, or algae that may have grown on the surfaces of basement walls.
Before hiring a company to do the work, choose one specializing in waterproofing. This is important, as many companies advertise basement waterproofing services but are contractors specializing in another service and simply adding waterproofing to their offerings.
Additionally, working with a licensed waterproofing contractor is essential, as this will ensure that the company has the proper credentials and is insured in case of any injuries or damage to your property while it works on your home. In addition, a licensed company will be more likely to provide quality service and an extended warranty.
