How Does One Find Out How to Waterproof a Basement?
Posted October 10th, 2008 by SpikeHow do waterproofing systems work in the basement and what exactly are they?
To answer that question, let’s first look at historically conventional basement waterproofing and how it is supposed to work.
If you imagine how a basement is first built, when the house it is sited in was first conceived, then basically the following happens. A big hole in the ground is dug, the footer or foundations are laid, the walls of the basement are built and then the rest of the house follows.
That big hole in the ground, the first on the list above is important to note.
When basement walls are constructed there is an area outside the walls that must be filled. Loose backfill is what is used to fill this void. No matter how well the backfill is compacted, it is still backfill and water seeks the places of little resistance.
This area is going to have water constantly seeping into it. Sometimes, creating a problem is the drainpipe that gets full of silt contained in many systems when waterproofing a basement. It’s natural enough, the water is bringing all sorts of suspension with it. Allowing these pipes to fill up, can result in an overload of the system, which can be catastrophic to the basement’s outside walls. Water will work its way through even the smallest gaps, even though basement walls are waterproofed in some way.
This kind of situation is persistent because the tubes that should drain the excess water eventually deteriorate.
A huge problem is that often there isn’t access to these pipes. To keep water out of a basement waterproofing is also applied to the external walls. This is also called a tanked system.
A better basement waterproofing system, such as the drained cavity basement waterproofing system, works by getting rid of the water pressure on the walls. To protect the property water is controlled, collected and then made to pass through hidden drainage channels which are either natural drainage or sump pumps.
Waterproofing a basement is a better system when they are installed internally and have easy access ports for removing the silt etc. It takes minimal disturbance to the original basement where traditional tanking or other methods have failed.
So to summarise, a good basement waterproofing system will:
- usually be a permanent or long-term solution
- stop both ways by which water can enter through the walls and up from the floor
- not disturb landscaping, decks, patios, driveways, etc
- usually be an approved waterproofing method for home loans
- often be substantially cheaper than other waterproofing methods
Choose a reputable basement waterproofer when protecting your home, remember it is economically foolish not to waterproof, because the increased value from waterproofing will definitely exceed the cost of the waterproofing.
In conclusion, you want a basement waterproofing system that will deliver:
- a permanent or long term fix
- stop water through the floor and walls
- not disturb the exterior appearance of your home
- an approved method by home loan lenders
- more affordable than other methods
Waterproofing your home is an investment in its value.
Similar Posts:
- Build Your Basement Waterproof Commencing The Start
- The Scoop about Waterproofing your Basement Walls
- The Lowdown on Waterproofing Basement Walls
- Home Insulation
- Ideas For Your Ceramic Tile Backsplash
Leave a Reply