A wet basement is the last thing that you would like to happen. As the basement of your house is at the bottom end of your home and surrounded by soil, it attracts water in its direction. This can be due to poor concrete mixing, poor grade sloping, etc. Trained and experienced professionals are well-equipped with the knowledge, equipment, and tools to properly waterproof the exterior of your basement. Here are some of the techniques that you can use to externally waterproof your basement, they are:
Exterior waterproofing membrane
This is one of the past few decades’ most famous external waterproofing techniques. This technique uses polymer and tar-based waterproofing material to create a membrane that stops the water from entering. This waterproof coating is applied below the ground and to the outside of your foundation. But this technique requires special skills, which an expert has to complete effectively. The process of installing an exterior waterproofing membrane includes the following:
- Remove obstructions like decks, plantings, pavers, sidewalks, and driveways
- Excavate the foundation so that enough space is created to work comfortably.
- Clean the foundation wall; for example, any loose mortar, soil, and debris should be removed. Repair if there is any defect.
- Install the waterproofing membrane. The material must cure, which may take a few hours to a few days.
- After the material has passed the curing stage, the trench is backfilled with excavated material.
Starting from the very beginning
To effectively tackle a problem, it’s essential to identify its source or cause. The same goes for basement waterproofing also. The reasons behind the wet basement should be identified and dealt with immediately. You can direct the water away from your home’s foundation by extending gutters and downspouts. You may also realign the angle of the slope. Both steps will ensure that the water does not enter your basement, thereby keeping your basement dry.
Plastic and vinyl sheeting
Although a temporary solution, you can use plastic and vinyl sheeting as a waterproofing technique. It prevents water from entering your basement for a while. But in the long run, it is not suitable as the sheets trap moisture, making the problem even worse. However, you can use this method if you reside in a dry area.
Crack repair
There are other important causes also that you should address, i.e., cracks and gaps in the external wall of your house. The cracks and gaps trap moisture, which can, in no time, lead to a wet basement. To prevent this from happening, a polyurethane foam resin is injected into the crack, which expands when it comes in contact with moisture. This effectively makes the basement waterproof. But again, this task required highly skilled experts.
No matter which technique of exterior waterproofing you follow, it’s essential that you act as soon as you come to know about it. Dampness in your basement not only leads to bacterial growth but also causes severe damage to your home’s foundation, which is a big problem. Therefore, don’t delay if you notice any moisture in your basement, as this small problem can quickly become big and expensive.
