How to Waterproof Your Basement in 5 Step
Basement waterproofing is one of the ways to protect your home and avoid flooding. Remember that flooding will undoubtedly cause extensive water damage to the home and your property. As a result, waterproofing your basement is a crucial step to safeguarding your home from danger. However, it is crucial that basement waterproofing is undertaken by professionals to avoid problems that come with poor basement waterproofing.
Given the above, here are the 5 steps involved in basement waterproofing if you are planning to waterproof your basement soon:
1. Dig Around the Basement
The first step to be taken in basement waterproofing is digging the basement’s outer perimeter. The digging should get to the base of the foundation where the waterproofing process would begin. After the digging has been completed, the next step is to install drainage tiles, lay crushed stone or gravel drains, and install perforated pipe and other materials below the area.
2. Inspect the Basement for Cracks
Another crucial step in basement waterproofing is for an expert to check the basement for cracks that could compromise the integrity of the basement waterproofing if it is completed without fixing the cracks or gaps in the basement. This step is important because cracks, and will allow water to seep into the basement, and this can cause significant damage. Use hydraulic cement to block cracks found to reduce the possibility of water seepage.
3. Add Sealant
The next important step is the application of cement-based sealant to all the exterior walls. This will enable plugging holes and gaps that may be on the exterior walls as the cement hardens. If there were any hairline cracks not covered in the previous step, they will be perfectly covered in this stage.
4. Installation of a Waterproofing Membrane and Drainage Mat
At this stage, a waterproofing membrane made from an asphalt-modified polyurethane material will be installed – sprayed to seal the foundation wall against water coming from the outside. Elastomeric membranes are best suited for this step. Also, a drainage mat to create air gaps between the wall and itself to allow moisture o travel to the drain structure should be installed.
5. Finishing the French Drain
A weeping tile also known as the French drain should be installed at the base of the footing letting water out from under the basement floor. Backfill the basement with gravel and finish the French drain. Keep in mind to install cleanouts for easy access during maintenance.
Takeaway
The above are the five steps involved in waterproofing your basement. To get the best results, hire an expert and allow all the steps to be completed perfectly to protect your basement.
