Keeping things waterproof (and dry) means ensuring that water in whatever form doesn’t get to them. If you can wrap something in a material that doesn’t permit water through, you’ve succeeded in waterproofing it. For basements, this “wrapping” involves using material like external waterproofing membranes among other techniques. You can contact a basement waterproof contractor in Louisville if you require such services.
Determining the best way to waterproof your basement requires the consideration of several factors. These include;
i)The foundation
- ii) Source of leakage or seepage
iii) Cost
- iv) Accessibility, both interior and exterior
Waterproofing From the Outside
When landscaping around homes, it is important to consider the foundation. One of the key aspects of maintaining a dry basement is waterproofing, and there are various ways to achieve this. When using a membrane, the foundation must be dug to its footing, allowing enough space for the technicians to install the waterproof membrane. Depending on the wall material, a parge coat of mortar may be applied. This is essential for evening out any protruding surfaces.
Why the Type and Condition of the Foundation Matters
Knowing the type of foundation to be waterproofed ensures that you understand the options available for such a task. Similarly, a foundation’s condition is crucial. For example, a foundation that’s been in place for decades may not have the same structural integrity as one that’s only for less than a decade.
Concrete Block Foundations
These types of foundations are made of mortars and hollow blocks. Their structure makes it difficult to use some waterproofing methods like the injection of sealants. Instead, the use of a rubberized membrane would suffice when waterproofing them from the outside.
Poured Concrete Foundations
These are repaired similarly to the concrete block types. However, you can also do it from the inside by utilizing the injection method. Injecting a waterproofing material (under pressure) into the cracks and voids that cause water seepage will do the trick.
Why is the Water Leakage Source Important?
Knowing how water finds its way into a basement is important when looking for the best way to waterproof it. For instance, water that finds its way into the basement through the wall and floor joints requires a different approach compared to leakage through a crack. In the latter case, injecting waterproofing material is enough to stop it.
The source and type of water leakage, along with the condition of the foundation, will determine the best waterproofing method for your basement.
The Ideal Way to Waterproof Your Basement
Keeping all the above crucial factors in mind, you can then choose the best way to waterproof your basement.
Waterproofing From the Outside
When using a membrane, the foundation must be dug to its footing, allowing enough space for the technicians to install the waterproof membrane. Depending on the wall material, a parge coat of mortar may be applied. This is essential for evening out any protruding surfaces. It is left to cure. Afterward, a thick layer of polyurethane is applied, usually the asphalt-modified type. This will form a protective layer around the basement that can keep out water while helping to boost the basement’s structural integrity. Additional waterproofing material like heavy-duty plastic drainage board can be applied on top.
Installing exterior drain tiles helps to reduce water pressure on the walls (and basement) in areas where groundwater levels are very high.
For exterior crack repairs, injecting polyurethane into works. The polyurethane expands to occupy the whole void and seal any space that could allow water.
Waterproofing From the Inside
This type of waterproofing of a basement is popular among many homeowners because it requires little, if any, digging and excavation. It is also generally cheaper compared to waterproofing techniques utilized on the basement exterior. Given how quickly, waterproofing can sometimes be done from the basement inside, many homeowners see them as easy, do-it-yourself projects.
The professional approach to sealing interior cracks to waterproof a basement involves cleaning any cracks and voids thoroughly before any sealants are applied. This ensures that no debris or aggregates can hinder the sealant’s action. Plastic-injection ports are then positioned at regular intervals along the crack to be filled. Fast-drying epoxy is then applied to hold the ports in place and to cover the crack.
When the epoxy cures, the crack is filled with polyurethane, starting from the top to the bottom. The polyurethane will expand to the surface. Expect such repairs to last for decades.
Calling in Professional Help
It’s difficult for a homeowner to know the exact type of basement waterproofing techniques necessary to get the job done. In addition to things like foundation type and potential water leakage sources, soil can also impact the choice of waterproofing method. For example, clay soil tends to retain a lot of water while also expanding during certain seasons like summer. This can predispose a foundation to structural problems that ultimately make waterproofing a basement a difficult task. That’s why calling in professional basement waterproof contractors is the best thing to do. Only such professionals, after careful consideration, can determine the best way to waterproof your basement.
