___Basement Waterproofing
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Do you have a basement? Do you know if it has been waterproofed? If you are unsure, it would be a good investment of your time to find out. Most people are not familiar with the basement waterproofing process, so it's important to research and gather together information. There is a lot of information available on this process, and I will provide you with some here.
Educate yourself first
Before you take the first step towards waterproofing your basement, it's a good idea to have an understanding about waterproofing and why it should be done. There are a variety of techniques used in basement waterproofing, and each one is used to stop water from entering your basement. Whenever a structure is built at ground or below ground level, waterproofing should be done. Why is this so important? A build up of groundwater or heavy rains will raise the water table, and if the ground is not graded properly and/or there is insufficient drainage in the local area, hydrostatic pressure will force water through your home’s foundation and into your home.
Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure occurs beneath the basement floor and walls. The pressure will force the water through any opening available which can be through something like a hairline crack. Openings can be caused by the ongoing expansion and contraction of the foundation material. The hydrostatic pressure results not only in damage to the foundation, but it can also cause the onset of mold and mildew, decay of building materials and other problems that can be moisture related. The foundation is the base to the structure, and if this pressure is not properly released before it hits your home, the entire infrastructure of your home can be seriously damaged over time.
Waterproofing Methods
Now that you have an understanding as to why basement waterproofing should be done, next you should know about the various waterproofing methods available. One option to consider is to seal the walls and floors of the basement with a waterproof sealer. When you're at the home improvement store, read the labels because some products may be in the same area as water sealers; however, they are actually water proofers. Drylok is considered a proofer because while it dries, the product expands and becomes part of the wall or floor. Xypex is considered a sealer as it actually bonds with the current concrete surface.
Applying proofers and sealers are for small water issues. For bigger issues, there are three systems you can choose from as basement waterproofing solutions. It is up to you to determine which best suits your needs. There is the barrier system which is a barrier and is typically applied on the outside of the foundation; although there are some that will work on the inside. Another type of system is a drainage system which is created outside of the foundation, collects the built up water and then diverts it away from the structure. The last is called a diversion system. These are for external purposes only as the system is placed on the structure’s roof and channels the water away from the structure.
Waterproofing can be a very expensive project especially if the water damage is high and you hire someone to solve the water issue for you. If you feel you're a skilled DYI person, and you are educating yourself about waterproofing and the basement waterproofing solutions available, you can choose a solution that will solve your water problem. With some wisdom and hard work, you can resolve your water issue yourself, or at least know that the person doing the work for you is doing it right.
There is detailed information about basement waterproofing. in this website.
Do you have a basement? Do you know if it has been waterproofed? If you are unsure, it would be a good investment of your time to find out. Most people are not familiar with the basement waterproofing process, so it's important to research and gather together information. There is a lot of information available on this process, and I will provide you with some here.
Educate yourself first
Before you take the first step towards waterproofing your basement, it's a good idea to have an understanding about waterproofing and why it should be done. There are a variety of techniques used in basement waterproofing, and each one is used to stop water from entering your basement. Whenever a structure is built at ground or below ground level, waterproofing should be done. Why is this so important? A build up of groundwater or heavy rains will raise the water table, and if the ground is not graded properly and/or there is insufficient drainage in the local area, hydrostatic pressure will force water through your home’s foundation and into your home.
Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure occurs beneath the basement floor and walls. The pressure will force the water through any opening available which can be through something like a hairline crack. Openings can be caused by the ongoing expansion and contraction of the foundation material. The hydrostatic pressure results not only in damage to the foundation, but it can also cause the onset of mold and mildew, decay of building materials and other problems that can be moisture related. The foundation is the base to the structure, and if this pressure is not properly released before it hits your home, the entire infrastructure of your home can be seriously damaged over time.
Waterproofing Methods
Now that you have an understanding as to why basement waterproofing should be done, next you should know about the various waterproofing methods available. One option to consider is to seal the walls and floors of the basement with a waterproof sealer. When you're at the home improvement store, read the labels because some products may be in the same area as water sealers; however, they are actually water proofers. Drylok is considered a proofer because while it dries, the product expands and becomes part of the wall or floor. Xypex is considered a sealer as it actually bonds with the current concrete surface.
Applying proofers and sealers are for small water issues. For bigger issues, there are three systems you can choose from as basement waterproofing solutions. It is up to you to determine which best suits your needs. There is the barrier system which is a barrier and is typically applied on the outside of the foundation; although there are some that will work on the inside. Another type of system is a drainage system which is created outside of the foundation, collects the built up water and then diverts it away from the structure. The last is called a diversion system. These are for external purposes only as the system is placed on the structure’s roof and channels the water away from the structure.
Waterproofing can be a very expensive project especially if the water damage is high and you hire someone to solve the water issue for you. If you feel you're a skilled DYI person, and you are educating yourself about waterproofing and the basement waterproofing solutions available, you can choose a solution that will solve your water problem. With some wisdom and hard work, you can resolve your water issue yourself, or at least know that the person doing the work for you is doing it right.
There is detailed information about basement waterproofing. in this website.
