Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing ensures that your basement and your entire home are protected from the effects of flooding and leaks. Waterproofing prevents water from penetrating into the basement and causing damage to your property. It also helps to increase the value of your home and reduce the need for repairs on your foundation in the future.
There are various options for basement waterproofing. Many of these options are not as intensive or expensive as many homeowners believe. Understanding your options will help you determine what you truly need and prevent you from wasting time, effort and money.
- Repairing exterior drainage systems
In many cases, the water penetrating your foundation walls is the result of poor or lack of exterior drainage. This includes poorly maintained downspouts and gutters. Runoff from the roof and the lawn collect near the foundation and cause an increase in hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls. This results in water seepage.
Repair and clean your gutters and downspouts. Ensure that there is adequate drainage on your property to guide water away from the foundation walls. Adding a perimeter drain around your foundation walls will help to funnel water away.
- Repairing your foundation
If your foundation walls are leaking, chances are that they are already compromised. It is therefore important to consider foundation wall repair. Repairs will often address the cracks in the foundation walls as well as other damage that water may have caused including sloping floors, bowing walls and sticky windows and doors.
Foundation repair is often intensive. However, when done early, it can save you a fortune in future repairs or replacement. Contact a professional foundation contractor to help you identify areas that need repair.
- Waterproofing barriers
It is also important to consider having a waterproofing barrier installed if you don’t already have one. This is often a membrane that is placed on the exterior surface of the foundation. It will keep water out of the basement. The installation involves excavating the soil around your basement.
- Sump pump installation
Another great option for basement waterproofing involves the installation of a sump pump in the basement. This will ensure that your basement remains dry even in a storm. The sump pump will get rid of water that enters the basement by pumping out to an exterior drain. This is a great solution for homes in areas with high water tables.
It is important to talk to a professional in basement waterproofing about the different options available to you. You may need to combine different options for the best results.
