Waterproofing – How Pros Will Help You Forget You Ever Had Basement Flooding Problems

Apart from fire, few other disasters can match what water can do to your property. Having water seep through the walls of your foundation and into your basement is one of the most expensive things that can ever happen to a basement. The seeping water will not only mean that you will be dealing with a mold problem, but also that your foundation is getting weaker by the day.

Establishing the cause and the source of the seeping water will be the top priority, before attempting to remedy the situation. Waterproofing experts have two main ways of waterproofing a basement, and these involve dealing with the problem either from the outside of the home or from the inside. Most of the waterproofing options will make use of one or a combination of the following concepts:

•      Treating the wall so that it will not allow moisture to pass through

•      Treating the ground around the home for it to direct water towards the drains

•       Redirecting water from the foundation of the home

Exterior waterproofing methods also called positive side waterproofing.

Using a waterproof membrane

This system involves placing a waterproof membrane to prevent water from getting to the basement walls. The membrane can be a plastic sheet, Bentonite clay, or any thick and tarlike treatment available in the market for this role. Although the best time to place this waterproofing membrane is during construction of the building, waterproofing experts can handle the task in the most professional way.

Using drainage fields

This is where the waterproofing experts will construct drain tiles around the foundation for it to direct water where you want it to go. This method does not give water the time or opportunity to seep through the walls. Although this method will destroy any beautiful landscaping next to the house, it will go a long way to make sure no water gets to your basement walls.

Using dimpled membrane tiles or mats

Dimple membranes come in two types, the permeable membranes and the air gap membranes. The air gap membrane creates an air space between its sheets, making the barrier waterproof. The permeable membrane will also direct moisture to the drain wall without coming into contact with the wall. The dimple membranes are highly effective and provide a very attractive finish, even where they are visible from the surface.

Using roof water diverters

This method is applicable in areas where there is a lot of rainfall, and the cause of the basement flooding is water from the roof running down the walls. Roof water diverters will simply prevent roof rainwater from flowing down the walls though with large amounts of water they will not work as effectively as one might desire.

Interior waterproofing methods also called negative side waterproofing.

Using Waterproofing paints

Waterproofing paints are a simple and direct way of dealing with water seeping through the walls. It is important to have the proofing experts pick out the paints so that you don’t end up buying paints that will not work effectively. These paints are ideal where the amount of water seeping is not too much.

Using Crack injections and Epoxy wall systems

These are great at sealing cracks on the walls or floors and offer a good finish. The epoxy will stop water by patching, sealing or plugging any faults in the basement wall, thereby preventing water from getting to the basement. This is a very affordable method of dealing with basement flooding though it does not offer a long-term solution.

Using a drain

This method is also called a French drain and it is all about drilling a trench in the foundation of the house and fitting a drain and a pump to get rid of the water. This drains work towards getting all the water out of the foundation and leaving it dry. This method works hand in hand with polyethene sheets or any other materials that will work like a vapour barrier and prevent condensation on the walls.

Using subfloor waterproofing systems

These systems are ideal for basements that let in water from the floor. A subfloor system will collect water and lead it to the sump pump system that will get rid of the water. For this system, a waterproofing expert will install it as low as possible for it to capture and handle as much water as possible.