How To Waterproof Your Basement

Having problems waterproofing your basement? You can ask the help of experts or follow the instruction in this article on how to waterproof your basement.

The first thing you need to do is to determine if your basement has leaks.

Waterproofing Your Basement

Asses or survey the perimeter or your house. Make it sure that the ground next to the foundation and walls of your house slopes away from the foundation and not towards it. Add dirt or soil up against the foundation for you to create much higher level ground than the main ground area. This will ensure that waters on the ground will not go over your walls or foundation.

Check gutters and downspouts periodically. The roof collects rain water every time it rains and the water is channeled to the edge of the roof. If the rainwater is deposited on the ground just next to your foundation, you will have problems. Also, make sure that the gutters are clean and the downspouts are discharging water freely at least five feet away or even more from the foundation.

Avoid plants like shrubs or trees near the foundation. Roots that are rotted may create a path for surface water to flow down to your foundation. Make sure that when you plant, it should be a bit farther and not near your foundation. Planting it on a slight slope and not on the direction of your foundation, will direct water away from it.

Waterproof Products

Use products that are waterproof not just a sealant. Always buy products that are tested and proven to be effective. It should be for waterproofing not just sealant. Choose products that are really intended to help waterproof your basement not just to temporary seal the crack or holes.

Repair defects in concrete walls and floors ASAP! Do not waste time and repair it immediately. Waiting or simply covering the cracks and holes temporarily may cause further damage in the future. You might think you are saving but honestly you are not.

Install a sump. A sump is a hole in your basement floor which contains a pump. It is use to discharge water out of the house when the water in the sump rises more than the foundations level. You might need the help experts. This is not an easy task and it costs money, but if you want to save your basement, then this is of much help.

Waterproofing From The Outside

Start waterproofing from the outside. While it is good to waterproof the inside part, it is much better to waterproof the outside part of your foundation. This will ensure you of a better waterproof basement.

Having a waterproof basement will mean having an extra space in your house. So it is better to invest on waterproofing your basement than having a basement and you cannot use it.