A basement is the need of every house. It is a floor of a building that is partly or entirely below the ground floor. The groundwater level is usually above the basement floor. This makes basements apt to flooding. Have you ever noticed the need for waterproofing your basement? Even if it never has flooded, your basement always has the chance of getting cracks, humidity, and moisture.
A flooded basement is not only inconvenient but can also be a health risk. Even after you have got the water removed from the area and got it dried, there is a risk of having cracks, fungus, and rust. Even a small crack can result in a tiny trickle or small plash. Indeed, this is a warning sign of a bigger problem that could happen if the issue is not addressed at the right time. Being proactive and taking necessary measures of basement crack repair will prevent future big expenses and annoyance.
What Causes Moisture in a Basement?
Before learning the right measures of keeping your basement dry it is important to first-of-all learn the real causes of moisture to take place in a basement. Water can find its way from anywhere. However, a tiny little crack can pave the way for water to get inside. This is indeed unfortunate for homeowners. The unique construction and nature of a basement are prone to humidity and wetness. Some of the major causes of moisture in a basement are-
Inappropriate Soil and Poor Drainage System: As mentioned above water can find its way. If water is not directed to flow away, it will automatically get stored around the foundation and sooner or later will find its way inside.
Poor Installation and Maintenance of Gutters: Gutters are constructed to transfer water away from the foundation. If not installed or maintained properly it can get clogged and the groundwater will find its way to flow around the building foundation rather than passing away from it.
Inappropriate Slope: The slope around your building should not be towards it; rather it should be inclined away. Wrong inclination of the slope will collect water around the foundation. And, water can get inside the cellar from anywhere.
Hydrostatic Pressure: Water accumulated around gives rise to hydrostatic pressure. When gravity depresses water it will try to move away. Thus, the water will strongly find its way through the cracks you may have in the basement walls or floors. The pressure can also be the cause of cracks.
Cracks and Gaps in the Basement: Cracks in the basement floor or walls, or gaps around doors and windows are the absolute possibilities of water to get in. They are the least resistant and easiest way for water to get inside the basement.
Waterproofing Services for Basement
There are three basement waterproofing services. Each service line follows different methods which are based on different types of situations. So, it is ideal to learn what waterproofing issues you are facing in your home.
Interior: Interior waterproofing is the most easy and cost-effective method. It typically ensures that all cracks, holes, or gaps in your basement floors, walls and around the doors and windows are sealed most appropriately. As you might now know, water can make its way in via cracks or gapes, so making it watertight ensures a dry basement.
The cracks in this method are filled with special sealants which once dried prevents moisture from getting inside. Sealants are quite effective and they often come with warranties. This makes them more effective. Waterproof sealants keep humidity level down in your basement and prevent condensation.
Sealant coating is applied onto the walls and floors of a basement to create a waterproof barrier. Of course, it is an important step of the waterproofing method, but unfortunately, it doesn’t address the fundamental root of moisture getting in. The prime problems, in general, are discovered on the exterior part of the foundation.
Related Post: 6 Advantages of Basement Waterproofing for Your Home
Exterior: The root problem of a wet basement is usually located at the exterior building portion. So, when having water tightening process in your basement, investigating the outer sides of basement walls is important. Exterior waterproofing treatment is not as simple as applying sealant coating onto the cellar floors and walls. So, the best idea for this process is to get help from a professional basement waterproofing service provider.
Typically, the exterior waterproofing process requires the digging of soil around the encircling building foundation. Once the soil is removed, a waterproofing sealant is coated to the exterior part of the walls. This is a complete labor-intensive process. Indeed, it requires adequate machinery and tools. The sealant used in this process is a polymer base. Ideally, this should last long; perhaps for the life of your building. So, this waterproofing technique should be processed during construction.
When discussing exterior waterproofing, the gutter system is not to be overlooked. The system if installed and maintained properly will discharge water away for the home foundation. Otherwise, it can have a reverse effect. Blocked gutter will transport water alongside your building base; maybe where it doesn’t need to be. Keep your gutter clean and debris-free. Moreover, while constructing your house, make sure that the downspouts are installed rightly to take water away from your home.
Drainage: Drainage related issues often cause moisture in the basement. Proper drainage is vital to keep your basement dry. A drainage system is installed to direct ground- or rainwater away from the building foundation. There are wide ranges of drainage systems. So, examine the type of soil you have around your house. It would be good if the soil around your building drains easily and doesn’t preserve moisture.
Each building is constructed differently. Have a thorough investigation of the functioning of the drainage around your home. See to the ground slope around the foundation. Ideally, the slope should tilt away and not towards the building foundation.
Choose the Right Method for Your Basement
As read before, each building construction is done differently. So, the waterproofing method may also differ. A lot of factors are involved when maintaining a basement. The best strategy here will always be prevention in place of repair. Keeping your basement waterproofed before having water inside the area will, of course, get you the best results. Water damages are prone to major issues which can further result in pricey repairs and hassles.
Home is an important and biggest investment. It is important to protect it. Don’t wait until problems occur. Preventative measures will always keep your pocket full and basement dry. For more help search out a professional company for wet basement repair in Brampton and learn the right way to keep your basement dry and the foundation stronger.
