Types Of Basement Waterproofing Solutions

The construction of your home and its foundation play a large role in the kind of waterproofing system you can benefit from having installed. A combination of waterproofing approaches will ensure the security of your basement area from future water damage.

Paint And Primer

Many contractors do not suggest using primers and paints to start the waterproofing process. The addition of primer and paint over leaks and cracks really only makes the area more visually pleasing and does little to waterproof the area.

Injecting The Cracks In The Foundation

If you have a basement foundation made of poured concrete, wherever water seepage is present in the walls the area can be injected with polyurethane or an epoxy to fill in the crack and stop the entry of water. This solution is not available for basements with foundations of cinder stone, stone, brick and the injection method is not good on basement floors. This fix is only temporary. It can cost between $300 and $500 to have the cracks in the basements injected, but it depends on the crack length and width.

Waterproofing – Exterior Excavation

This process involves digging six to eight feet down into the wall footer of the foundation. Once this is done, the drainage is repaired with a French draining system or drainage tiles. A waterproofing membrane or material is also applied to the outer surface of the basement wall to keep water from entering the area again. This method is called positive side waterproofing and the process tends to the hydrostatic or water pressure. You might have to have only one wall done, or several walls, and the area covered determines the price of the waterproofing solution. Remember, a lot of excavation is required, so this method of waterproofing is costly.

Nevertheless, it excludes water from the structure and you do not have to maintain the project once it is complete. This type of waterproofing can cause landscaping damage that will also require repair, and driveways, sidewalks, and porches may also be susceptible to damage during the excavation process. A professional company can advise you of potential damage, costs, and they should also plan to create minimal damage during the task. In areas with a high water table, this type of waterproofing might not be the best solution. You can expect to pay between $80 and $100 per linear foot for this type of waterproofing task.

Waterproofing – Interior Excavation

If you are looking for the least invasive and least costly system of waterproofing, you should opt for interior excavation. This method of waterproofing deals with the ground water that forces pressure up against basement walls until it seeps through or hydrostatic pressure. This method of waterproofing is also called negative side waterproofing because it deals with the water once it enters the basement, not beforehand. The professional will have to use a jackhammer to get through concrete so new pipes and a sump pump can be installed. The system is then covered up with gravel.

The excavation process involves digging a four to 18 inch wide trench all the way around the basement’s perimeter. Piping or draining tiles get put into place that helps in routing the water to a sump pump for removal. The pipes or tiles have to remain obstruction free in order to remain in working order – so an access port or two might be installed for later maintenance. The sump pump will likely be one with a backup battery operated system to ensure that water continues to be removed even in the event of a power outage. This system costs less yes, but it has some cons with the potential for damage to the home’s structure and the basement floor being compromised during the installation.

Why Waterproofing Is Important

When everything is going great and no repairs are required it is all too easy to slip into complacency and only focus on making a home look good without giving thought to the very basic maintenance that every home requires. Waterproofing your home is one of those major important basics. The foundation of your home needs constant monitoring because it is often exposed to underground water. The water can seep through the foundation and cause cracks in the walls of the structure.

In addition to cracks, mold can form on the wall and thereby threaten the health of those who live in your home. Finally, without adequate waterproofing in place, you might end up with a real flood on your hands that ends up destroying your property as well. With proper waterproofing, you can ward off the damage from natural erosion.

Waterproofing the Foundation

You want to make sure the foundation of your home is literally impermeable to the elements. You want no water to get into the basement whatsoever as any water contact can start the erosion and destruction process. Any area that will allow water to enter must be waterproofed or filled. There are different methods of waterproofing the area, with two chief types including the interior and exterior waterproofing methods.

Both have advantages and disadvantages; however, external or exterior waterproofing is an excellent means of ensuring that the home has a solid and beautiful erosion free foundation in the years to come. When waterproofing the exterior, you can keep the foundation dry and in good condition. Yes, the foundation will get wet if there is water, but the waterproofing stops the water from moving through cracks and getting into the foundation to cause erosion.

It’s an excellent idea to talk with a pro about the waterproofing you require – this will ensure the project is done correctly and that no expense is wasted in the process of getting the entire basement waterproofed. You can hire the professionals who can tell you about your options and who is willing to give you a good price quote for your waterproofing needs.