What do you need to know about basement waterproofing

What do you need to know about basement waterproofing
7 min read
18 November 2022

Introduction

When you have a basement, it's almost always good to waterproof it. Basements are prone to water leaks; they're also often unfinished spaces where the walls are not separated from the floor by drywall or concrete. In either case, your basement is more than just a space for storage — it also provides a home for mold spores and other pollutants. These can cause health problems and make you sick if they go untreated. That being said, if you think about what happens in basements before they get wet (or even if they do), then you can make sure that your basement stays dry!

Why do you need to waterproof your basement?

If you’re planning to build a new home, chances are that you have an unfinished basement. The cost of finishing the space will vary by project and location, but it can be as much as $10 per square foot. That adds up to thousands of dollars—and considering how many rooms there are in your house (or building), that could easily become thousands more if you don't do any waterproofing at all!

So what does this mean for homeowners? It means that if they want to finish off their basements without spending a fortune on materials and labor jobs, they need some sort of solution before they move into their new homes or apartments. This can include installing concrete walls or blocks around the perimeter where water could seep through; laying down Sheetrock insulation between floor joists; adding vapor barriers under floors; etcetera...

Most homeowners don’t have the time or money to do all of those things. So what can they do? They should consider installing a waterproofing system underneath their concrete floors that will prevent water from seeping through and causing damage. This is especially important in basements where there is less ventilation than other areas of the home—and because it's harder to spot leaks before they become serious problems!

Penetrating Concrete Sealer

Penetrating Concrete Sealer is a liquid that is applied to the surface of the concrete. It creates a barrier between the concrete and water, keeping it from absorbing water and keeping it from leaking through.

The type of penetrating sealer you should use depends on how much moisture you want to keep out of your basement or crawl space. If you live in an area where there are frequent periods of heavy rain or snow, such as upstate New York or northern Wisconsin, then installing plastic underlayment will help prevent damage by allowing air to circulate freely through your home's foundation instead of being trapped against its walls by impermeable surfaces like typical drywall (which can cause mold).

If you live in an area where there are only a few days of heavy rain or snow, then a water-based penetrating sealer will be sufficient for preventing water damage to your home's foundation.

Surface Applied Waterproofing Membrane

Membranes are made from polyethylene, a durable plastic that's resistant to oil and moisture. They can be applied to the walls and floor of your basement, with different thicknesses depending on your needs. The membrane is generally installed in one piece and then rolled up onto itself as it dries, creating an airtight seal around the perimeter of your home's foundation walls or floor.

The membrane should stay effective for at least 25 years under most conditions (though this number will depend on how often you maintain it). In addition to being more durable than other waterproofing materials like concrete and stone veneer boards—which need replacing every few years—the membrane is also easy to install because it does not require specialized tools (like saws), which means minimal disruption during construction projects when installing new floors or walls within existing basements without compromising their structural integrity

Exterior Drainage Systems

If you plan on installing exterior drainage systems for Basement Waterproofing marietta, you'll need to consider the following factors:

  • Are there high groundwater levels in your area? If so, that could cause problems with the installation of an exterior drainage system. This is especially true if you live in an area with cold winters and hot summers.
  • Is there any chance that rain will enter the basement through gaps around doors or windows? You'll need to seal those areas to prevent water from entering your home through them.

Interior Drainage Systems

Draining a basement is the first step in waterproofing, and there are several different types of drain systems. The most common type is an interior drainage system, which works on the principle of gravity. This means that water will flow down from higher levels into low-lying areas where it can be collected for disposal elsewhere.

You may have heard about "sump pumps" before; these are devices that collect water from basements and other subterranean spaces through pipes or hoses fed by gravity flow (rather than electricity). Sump pumps can be installed either inside or outside your home's foundation walls—either way, they'll work best if you have a concrete slab under your property instead of dirt or gravel; this prevents them from leaking out through cracks in their base materials where they're not protected against contact with water pressure."

Basements are prone to water leaks, so it's important to take the right steps to keep yours dry and healthy.

  • Waterproofing your basement is a good idea, even if you don't have an issue with leaks.
  • There are many ways to waterproof your basement and each one has its own pros and cons.
  • Even if you're sure that the water in your house is safe from harmful chemicals, it's still a good idea to get some form of protection for your basement walls and flooring.

Conclusion

There are a lot of things to consider when waterproofing your basement, but the most important thing is having someone who knows their stuff on your side. That's where I come in! I have been helping homeowners for years with all kinds of things related to their basements and crawlspaces, so please contact me if you want more information about how we can help.

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