Waterproofing a Basement: When, Where and How to Do It

 

Basement Flooring Waterproof

The basement holds a lot of everything from entertainment centres and washing machines to winter clothes and holiday decorations. But one thing no one wants in their basement is standing water.

If you haven't waterproofed your basement, rain and groundwater can enter your home in a number of ways and cause damage to your building and property. In the basement, it is worth observing the symptoms of excessive humidity and knowing how to stop it.

Signs Your Basement Needs Waterproofing

The first step in basement waterproofing is knowing what to look for. Here are some common signs that it may be time to check basement moisture:

•  Mold or Mildew: This can be caused by excess moisture in the air, even if there is no standing water in the basement. . If left untreated, mold can also be a health hazard. Using a dehumidifier is a great way to reduce mold. 
• Peeling paint: Paint can peel off walls for a number of reasons; maybe it was the wrong color or the surface was not properly prepared. However, there may be too much moisture in the wall to be painted.
• Leaky walls: Exposed basement walls can leak and sometimes create wet spots and condensation. This can be caused by leaking pipes behind the concrete or seepage through the soil from the walls on the other side.
• Dry Rot: This black-brown fungus usually occurs as a by-product of the decay process and usually grows on wood. It can grow as a result of leaks and excess moisture.
• Flooding or standing water: If your home is under a high water table, water can enter the structure through defects in the floor or walls. Regular flooding can also be caused by a plumbing or yard drainage problem.

If you notice one or more of these warning signs in your basement, it may indicate a lack of waterproofing in the basement, doors, windows, or foundation.

On the other hand, if your basement is regularly flooded with standing water, your basement may have plumbing or several serious foundation problems. In this case, it is best to call in a professional plumber or foundation repair specialist to inspect the room as soon as possible.

Environmental Factors

In addition to structural problems around the house, the environment of your home also plays a role in basement water management problems.

If your home is at the bottom of a hill or has a high water table, rainwater can stagnate on or around your property, increasing the likelihood of basement flooding. It is important to plan accordingly for these factors by thoroughly waterproofing the basement walls and floors. Flood insurance is also worth considering.

Different Ways to Waterproof a Basement

While repairing foundation damage and repairing the floor should be left to trained professionals, there are several waterproofing projects you can do yourself to prevent basement flooding and reduce the risk of moisture infiltration Use these basement waterproofing tips to keep your home dry and comfortable.

In addition to reducing the risk of flooding and standing water, the benefits of waterproofing can include reducing musty odor, preventing mold and drying, and protecting furniture and belongings from water damage.

Buy a Dehumidifier

If your basement waterproofing efforts are aimed at reducing moldy, underground moisture and condensation, a home dehumidifier can help. Dehumidifiers suck moisture out of the air before it can wet and ruin walls, carpets, furniture and more.

There are many types of dehumidifiers, but most plug directly into an outlet and can be emptied regularly when the collection bowls are full. Many can also be fitted with hoses so they can flow continuously into a sink or floor drain, eliminating the need to manually empty them.

Choose waterproof carpet materials

Carpet can last if your basement has water control issues. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect them from leaks and standing water. If you currently have bare floors or are in the process of replacing your floor, a waterproof mat can be a good investment if your basement has flooded in the past or if you have problems with condensation.

You can also install waterproof carpets to create a buffer between the basement floor and the carpet.

Even if standing water is not a problem in your basement, carpets should be cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth, especially under furniture. ? If you don't know how to seal basement walls, don't sweat it's usually as simple as sealing the crack with hydraulic concrete and covering the broken surface with masonry waterproof paint.

If the paint is coming off, consider removing it first so you can identify the leaks underneath. Before waterproofing the basement walls, prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly with a wire brush to remove any residue. Apply a solid coat of waterproof sealant and allow it to dry completely before repainting.

Keep wooden surfaces and water separate

Dry rot can occur when water or excess moisture comes into contact with wooden surfaces and structures for a long time - especially beams and floorboards.

To prevent future dry rot, it is important to eliminate potential sources of excess moisture, such as leaky pipes that come into contact with the wood. The tree should also be kept separate from the surrounding soil to reduce the risk of dry rot.

Look for external problems

Although mold, peeling and drying can occur indoors, external factors are often part of the problem. When waterproofing a basement, it is important to check for leaks in gutters and downspouts, which can lead to rainwater flowing directly to the foundation.

Call the Professionals

If you struggle to control routine leaks or flooding in your basement during a heavy rainstorm, there are many factors that may be within your control. Solving these basement waterproofing problems requires professional training and equipment, so it is recommended that you contact an expert for advice or service.

Long-term damage control

The benefits of waterproofing go beyond preventing damage and costly repairs it also offers peace of mind. In addition to the repair and prevention projects discussed here, homeowners can better prepare for unexpected water damage.

If the groundwater on your property is around or at the same level as the basement, a sump pump may be a wise investment to divert water away from the structure to prevent basement flooding. However, if you are concerned about flooding, you may want to arrange the room so that valuables are not in direct contact with the ground.

Still flooding the basement? 

Call a Professional and Make a Plan

Basement waterproofing is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. But if your basement turns into an indoor swimming pool despite your best DIY efforts, you need to have a plan of action important for the safety of your property and your loved ones. In addition to playing like a pro, learn what to do (and what not to do) if your basement floods.

Haven't finished your basement yet? In addition to these basement waterproofing tips, consider finishing the space with sealed insulation.