Waterproofing Archives

Basement flooding is an issue for many homeowners. Doing an inspection of your basement along with the outside of your home will help pinpoint problems that will help in waterproofing your basement.In evaluating the exterior of your house, keep gutters and downspouts clear. Regularly check the drainpipes and remove debris, allowing free flow in your heating and air conditioning system and replace filters as needed. Insulating your pipes will reduce condensation that can cause mold and corrosion. Be sure to look over all ventilation systems, including exhaust fans, dryer vents, and water heater, and repair any malfunctions. Sump pumps keep unwanted water out of your home. Check that the outlet pipe is not clogged or frozen and that it directs water away from your house. Test the pump by filling the sump pit with water to make sure the pump is working properly. Clean the air hole in the discharge line and verify the motor is running well. Condensation on basement walls can be misconstrued for seepage because of hydrostatic pressure. In order to tell the difference between the two, tape a twelve-inch piece of aluminum foil to the wall that is inclined to moisture, sealing all sides tightly. Check the foil in a couple of days to see if the side that was against the wall is wet. If this is so, then the problem you are looking at is seepage. If it is the outside that is wet, then it is condensation., which a dehumidifier can help solve. Keep in mind that not all water-repellent and waterproofing coatings are the same even if the company advertises as such. Water-repellant means it is to be used for the exterior in above-ground concrete or masonry. Since it only briefly repels water it is not meant to block the passage of wetness under hydrostatic pressure. Some repellants fill surface pores to avert moisture movement and others are film-forming. Waterproofing coatings stop the access of water to the basement under hydrostatic pressure. These film-forming coatings are actually suited for above and below as well as for interior and exterior usage. Even the finest waterproofing coating might not put an end to dampness if the block walls are not in good condition. Sweep the area clean, remove dirt and grime and then do a final wipe down of the area. Use a wire brush to remove old paint and use quick-dry cement to patch cracks. When doing this don’t forget to include the joints where the wall and floor meet. Follow instructions carefully making sure to use the spread rate that is required. Work the coating into the pores during the application. In some cases, a second coating may be required. Other FAQ: How to choose a waterproofing system for your home? Many homeowners find it necessary to invest in a waterproofing system for their home, especially if their home has a basement or cellar. In modern home developments, it is often required by state or local regulations to have a waterproofing system installed before the completion of the home. Without the proper installation of a waterproofing system, your home is at risk for water damage. In some areas, black mold is a frightful health concern. A good waterproofing system can help minimize water damage and the growth of black mold in prone areas. Other factors to consider when implementing a waterproofing system are the climate, landscape, weather and terrain of the area. Why do basements leak? Basements can leak for a multitude of reasons. Water can build up because of cracks in walls or the floor, improperly installed or no footer tiles, pressure build-up from the floor or walls, leaks from sweating basement pipes and leaks from basement windows, and for many other reasons as well. Mold is a dead giveaway that your basement has leakage or condensation problems. In cases of mold, it is imperative that you seek a professional installer for your waterproofing system. How to prevent basement seepage from outside? A downspout that is improperly positioned to drain against the side of the house allows water to collect in areas that can ooze into the basement in spite of basement waterproofing. Are there sizable puddles forming if so you need to fill in low spots or dig out channels. If you choose a place where water does not naturally drain there though several solutions are available. Water supply seeping through concrete since it is naturally porous can cause a moisture basement. Basements are closed areas so they are prone to high humidity conditions that lead to dampness and flooding. Check your own gutters and make sure you're not taking on h2o. Basements directly leak for a large number of reasons. Concrete waterproofing crack repair will stop further h2o damage. Beware that a moisture basement can seriously diminish both salability and charge. Chronic basement leakage is a serious problem that shall destroy furnishings and appliances. Ordinarily, methods of basement waterproofing include sump empty installation. Almost all year thousands of homeowners who have basement h2o control systems will flood anyway because they are incorrectly installed. Does your own basement or crawlspace resemble a swimming pool in the winter due to significant winter precipitation' In spite of the pervasiveness of the problem few homeowners are aware of the causes of water supply leakage? Depending on the complexity of the project the contractor will charge accordingly. Depending on the circumstances in your home the basement maybe your given biggest problem. Beware that the possibility of having water supply penetration in the basement is fairly high pressure. Check your given gutters and make sure you're not taking on h2o. Basements should leak for a large number of reasons. Chronic basement leak is a serious problem and may do more damage than a homeowner expects. Cracks in the paries and the cold joint where the floor and wall meet are common. Depending on the problem the degree of work needed and the method you choose to correct the problem you may spend a lot of profits. Depending on your given lot properties specifically the slope and availability of stormwater drainage you could have a difficult project. It is proven that basement remodeling by finishing forbidden a basement requires waterproofed walls. Basements are airtight areas so they are prone to high humidity conditions that lead to dampness and flooding. A downspout that will redirect water away from the basement will aid in keeping it dry. If you choose a site where the water supply does not naturally drain there are several solutions choices. A moisture basement may only be wet during periods of big rain. Are there indications that the adventure of damage occurring is very soaring' scorn the pervasiveness of the problem few homeowners are aware of the causes of h2o leakage? Cracks in foundation walls may allow moisture penetration. Depending on your own problems you could spend thousands of dollars to have your own basement waterproofing done correctly. Almost all year thousands of homeowners who have basement-waterproofing systems will deluge anyway. Does your own basement leak do not wait to waterproof your own basement now? Depending on the event in your home a buyer may run away. How to waterproof basement walls? Although representatives from waterproofing companies may guarantee results from their product or service, it is wise to keep in mind that there is no magic solution to waterproofing basement walls. In order to save costs on unneeded repairs, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to find the cause of the leak. Knowing where the leak is coming from could save you thousands of dollars. Do some inspecting around your basement. Does the leak appear to come from plumbing condensation? Are there cracks in the walls or windows? You should be able to answer these questions before calling a professional to assist with waterproofing your basement. One reason that basement walls may leak is because of the settling of the house. Over a period of time, house settling can cause cracks in the foundation and walls of your home. Underground water pressure may also be a culprit in basement walls leaking. It is also possible that the carpenters that built the house used too many shortcuts, resulting in poor workmanship and leaks. Regardless of the cause of the leaks, in many cases, basement walls can be waterproofed. Nearly all leaky basements have cracks or holes in the walls. In order to waterproof your basement's walls, these cracks and holes will first need to be repaired. If no holes or cracks are apparent, a waterproofing compound can be applied directly to the wall. Small cracks in the basement walls can be filled in with a waterproofing mix. If larger holes or cracks are present they will first need to be cleaned and patched prior to applying the waterproofing compound.