Waterproof Your Basement From The Inside
Posted on: 10 June 2019
Water is one of the most destructive natural elements. Exposure to excess amounts of water could leave your home structurally unstable and unsafe to live in.
Basements are particularly susceptible to moisture problems because they are located below the surface of the ground. Hydrostatic pressure, poor gutter drainage, and an improper slope near your home's foundation can all contribute to the accumulation of moisture inside your basement.
Waterproofing your basement is the only way to prevent costly moisture damage, and you can use interior waterproofing methods to maximize your home's protection while minimizing cost.
Sump Pump Installation
If your home is not equipped with a sump pump, you need to install one of these pumps as quickly as possible. The primary role of a sump pump is to eliminate excess moisture from your basement.
An experienced contractor will install a series of pipes that can collect moisture and transport it to a sump pit. When the water level in the pit reaches a certain point, the pump will begin working to discharge the moisture safely away from your home.
Sump pumps can protect your home against slow-accumulating moisture and sudden disasters like a burst pipe or flood.
Vapor Barrier Installation
Another valuable tool that you can use when waterproofing your basement is a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier is typically made of foil or polyethylene plastic. These materials are impervious to moisture penetration, and they can offer some insulation to your basement walls.
Condensation is a real problem in some basements. Moisture will condense on the interior wall surfaces when warm air from inside your home comes into contact with the cool walls. A vapor barrier is designed to help act as a barrier between condensation and your walls.
The insulating properties of vapor barriers can also reduce the temperature differential between indoor air and basement walls, helping to eliminate condensation altogether.
Crack Sealing
One of the more common culprits behind water leaks in basements is a crack in the basement wall or the foundation of a home. Cracks in the wall or foundation can start out small, then grow over time.
Water will find its way into the crack, then expand and contract as the temperature fluctuates. This widens the crack, allowing a lot more moisture to infiltrate your basement. Any visible cracks should be sealed using concrete or an epoxy injection to ensure the structural stability of your home over time.
When looking for help with reducing moisture and avoiding costing damage to your home, call your local basement waterproofing expert for help in choosing the right solution for your unique needs.
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