DIY Basement Waterproofing Tips
New houses generally have decent water protection nowadays because of the new construction techniques, especially on waterproofing techniques but seepage can still be a very big problem.
It is very important to note, that even if you have the most sophisticated and advance waterproofing, over the years the house waterproofing system can break down and slowly becomes less efficient. A wet basement is not only cause by a leak; it could also be down to condensation.
If you have a damp basement, for sure it will give you a big problem. First, the damp basement will give a foul odor, mildew will form and slowly it will damage your furniture. You need to remember that with a damp environment anything can decay easily.
At present, waterproofing industry is extremely competitive so you have many to choose from. Take advantage of this, scout for the cheapest but be sure it will not affect the quality. Waterproofing companies conducts a free wet basement inspection and estimate, ask them to look for the root cause and the possible things you need to do to solve this problem.
Usually, your leakage problem is cause by seeping through walls and seeping in the joints where the walls meet the floor. Chips and cracks or any damage to the concrete can also invite water in. You need to clean and repair the damage part of the wall by patching the concrete. Do not forget to seal it, you can do this by simply painting the sealant onto the interior side of the wall.
To some, hydrostatic pressure can be a big problem, even if you have sealed the concrete. Without a proper or good drainage system it will most likely give you a leakage problem. Drainage problem needs more work than just by painting a sealant, but having a good drainage system is important in waterproofing your basement.
Always check your rain gutters to make sure they are not clogged and the drainpipes are functioning properly. It is advise to check once in awhile your pipes and drains for blockage. The best way to do the checking is just before the rainy season. Try to extend your drain spout so that water from the gutter is brought farther away from your house. This will help a lot in your basement waterproofing system.
Your lawn should be properly graded. Lawn that is not properly graded will cause your basement to be wet. This happens when your basement is the least resistance because water always flows to the direction of the least resistance area. You need to slope the lawn away from the house or make a little terrace just to make sure the area near your house is the highest. This will surely prevent and solve the problem.
For worse case scenario, consider having it check by experts and let them do the job for you. This is to ensure that you will not be having any problems when the rainy season comes. These are just a few of the basement waterproofing tips we offer, feel free to browse our other articles to find more specific how-to’s and advice.