Keeping Your Basement Dry: How to Properly Waterproof Your Space
It's easy to overlook a basement when it comes to home maintenance and improvements. But, the truth is that basements can be a source of many issues if they aren't properly maintained. One of the most common issues is water damage. If your basement isn't waterproofed, you'll be facing a host of problems, from mould and mildew to structural problems. But how do you ensure that this space is as waterproofed as possible?
Identify the Problem
Before you start waterproofing your basement, you need to figure out what's causing the water damage in the first place. If your basement is already flooding, then you'll need to address the problem before you move on to waterproofing. It could be that your gutters and downspouts aren't draining properly or that your foundation is cracked. Once you've identified the problem, you can then start working on a solution.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
One of the most common reasons why basements flood is cracks in the foundation. Water can seep through these cracks and cause serious damage. To address this, you need to seal the cracks. You can do this by using hydraulic cement or epoxy injections. They fill in the gaps and create a waterproof barrier.
Improve Drainage
Another important aspect of waterproofing your basement is improving the drainage around your home. If your gutters are clogged or damaged, they won't be doing their job properly. Similarly, if your downspouts aren't draining away from your home's foundation, then you'll have a problem. Make sure all of your gutters and downspouts are doing what they should and that the water always flows away from your home.
Install a Sump Pump
If you live in an area that's prone to flooding, then you might want to consider installing a sump pump. A sump pump acts as a backup system to prevent flooding. It removes water from your home and pumps it outside. This is especially important if you have a finished basement, as flooding can cause serious damage to your furniture and belongings.
The Takeaway
A fully waterproofed basement protects your home from water damage and can also improve the air quality in your home. By identifying the problem, sealing cracks and gaps, improving drainage and installing a sump pump, you'll be well on your way to keeping your basement dry and safe. However, it is often difficult to know exactly how to proceed, and you may feel that you do not have the expertise, experience and tools to do this job properly. This is why many people in your situation will reach out to an experienced waterproofing contractor instead.
Talk to a local contractor for more information about waterproofing.
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