Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproofing Basements

Your basement is an important foundation block of your home and waterproofing is necessary to protect against damage and flooding that can slowly destroy crucial structural elements. Without proper protection against outside threats, your safety as well as the value of your home is at a great risk. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about how to shield your basement from groundwater and other forms of moisture. 

How can moisture affect the basement?
You would be surprised by just how many people live with flooded or moldy basements. Moisture can build up quite easily if waterproofing methods are not maintained or applied properly, resulting in unusable and dangerous basements. If ignored, the problems can begin to affect the rest of the house, spreading mold and rot throughout. Mold can also lead to health problems including headaches, coughing, and sore throat. 

What is Hydrostatic Pressure?
Homes that are built at or below ground level are threatened by surrounding moisture in the soil. Liquid becomes trapped in the soil surrounding the basement and can slowly rise until it creates what is called a water table. This table will put pressure on the floor or walls of the basement, and over time it can crack or rot the foundation, seep inside, create mold, or destroy wiring. 

What methods are used for waterproofing a basement?
There are a variety of techniques that can be used to help protect your home from damage. Professionals and homeowners differ in opinion over which is the most effective, so you'll want to do some research before choosing one. Sealing the interior of the structure is one of the most common. The surface of the concrete is coated with a sealant that helps fill cracks, holes, and other entry points. Most recently, polymer-based compounds have been utilized with much success and providing a great longevity. They are sprayed onto the surface and once dried remain slightly flexible, which means they are better at preventing hydrostatic pressure from cracking the surfaces. They are also resistant to the PH in surrounding soil. 

Interior and exterior drainage are the other two options for waterproofing. On the inside, small trenches collect built up moisture from the outside or that drips down the walls and then leads it to a sump pump, which removes it from the structure. The sump pump must be maintained carefully to ensure it doesn't fail during an emergency such as a storm. Exterior drainage can also be used in conjunction with injected clay. The clay acts as a barrier and can absorb moisture, locking it out of cracks and crevices around the perimeter of the basement.

Can I do it myself?
Attempting to repair or install waterproofing in your basement is not for the novice. Specific instructions need to be followed and it can be hazardous work. Additionally, a mistake can lead to flooding, structural damage, or mold which can harm the entire home. While you should perform regular maintenance checks yourself to ensure everything is in working order, it is better to leave the complex work to a professional company.