Most people don’t know that a basement is much more prone to water seepage because it is underground. Water seepage can take place because of insecurity in the substructure. Moisture can gather slowly and give rise to significant damage in basements. Leaky basement water pipes or ducts, cracks in walls, old drafty windows, and condensation because of low temperatures or poor lighting can all enable moisture to enter your home.
No one wants to battle with water damage. Water damage can cost between $1,143 and $4,422 to repair and clean up. And you know what? The best solution is prevention. So, Tross Construction has gathered this complete guide on interior basement waterproofing to help keep your space safe and secure.
The basement developments by us are sound, safe, and made to prevent basement water damage.
What Are the Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing?
Wet Basement Walls
A wet basement is the beginning of all the problems. If you live in an area that has a high water table or is vulnerable to heavy rain, it’s important to waterproof your basement. Water stains are a clear indication that your basement is getting wet. Even small floor flooding or minor puddles signal water seepage that could give rise to damage if left pending. One of the most effective ways to control this is through basement waterproofing.
Mould or Mildew
Visible mould is a major concern that indicates excess moisture. It time and again appears in dark, damp environments such as basements. Sometimes, mould hides inside walls, which makes it even tougher to identify. Musty odours also indicate milder buildup. Basement waterproofing minimizes humidity and moisture, which helps prevent mould growth and related health issues.
Bowed Walls
Swelling and contracting soil outside your home can give rise to significant pressure on basement walls that results in bowing. This puts your home’s structural strength at risk and gives rise to the risk of cracks and leaks. Basement waterproofing in combination with structural supplementing can help minimize further pressure and maintain wall alignment.
Chalky Walls
White streaks on basement walls are called efflorescence – residue from evaporated water. They are an indication that your walls are absorbing and then drying moisture. Waterproofing using sealers and coatings can block water absorption and hinder further chalky buildup.
Pest Infestations
Moist basements make a shelter for pests such as cockroaches and termites. These infestations can be controlled by getting to grips with the root cause: excess moisture. A dry space, maintained through basement waterproofing, is far less attractive to unwanted pests.
Why is Your Basement Humid?
We are required to understand what causes basement moisture to determine how to make the basement dry. Basements are generally vulnerable to dampness because of their underground structure. Here are different factors that contribute to basement humidity:
Drainage & Soil Quality Issues
Improper soil drainage enables rainwater and groundwater to gather around your foundation. This buildup increases the possibility of seepage. While exterior solutions can help, basement waterproofing provides and successful secondary barrier from within the home.
Poorly Maintained Gutters
Blocked or inappropriately installed gutters redirect water toward your foundation, augmenting seepage problems. Making certain gutters work well helps minimize the demand on the basement waterproofing systems.
Improper Slope
If your yard slopes toward your house, water can gather around your foundation in place of flowing away. This standing water can seep inside without appropriate drainage or waterproofing solutions.
Hydrostatic Pressure
The gathering of groundwater around your home gives rise to intense pressure, forcing water through cracks in walls and floors. A successful basement waterproofing system can relieve pressure by collecting and redirecting water.
What is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing refers to the treatment of your basement structure to put a stop to moisture or seepage from entering. Water generally starts at the lowest point of the structure, time and again in the basement. Poor drainage and water from the rain can give rise to water seeping through your basement walls. Interior basement waterproofing methods particularly get to grips with these weaknesses from inside the home, which makes them an important part of the prevention procedure.
What Are the Types of Interior Waterproofing?
As the name indicates, basement waterproofing signifies sealing your basement from the inside. Common methods include:
Concrete Waterproofing Coatings
These cement-like coatings are applied with stiff-bristled brushes and bond permanently to masonry surfaces. They are very effective as a base layer in basement waterproofing, but must be applied to the walls when unpainted.
Concrete Sealers (Silicate-Based)
Also popular as densifiers, these sealers react chemically with the surface to create a waterproof barrier. Once applied, they are permanent and enable painting over. These are specifically effective on porous walls as part of a basement waterproofing solution.
Acrylic Waterproofing Paint
This is easy to apply and works like regular paint, only thicker. It can be used over painted surfaces, which makes it a convenient option for basement waterproofing.
Hydraulic Cement
These are used to fill cracks and holes, Hydraulic cement expands as it dries and sets fast, forming a powerful waterproof seal. It’s time and again a first step in successful basement waterproofing.
What Are the Types of Exterior Waterproofing?
Exterior waterproofing addresses the source of water before it gets inside. It includes excavation and applying sealants directly to the foundation’s exterior walls. While effective, it’s more costly and labour-intensive than basement waterproofing.
Maintaining gutter systems and managing water flow with appropriate landscaping is also important. Inappropriately directed gutters can undermine both exterior and interior efforts. Regular maintenance is important to keep all waterproofing systems functioning properly.
Drainage Systems
Good drainage is important to prevent water from pooling near your foundation. French drains, gravel backfill, or sump pumps are common systems. Even when using exterior solutions, interior basement waterproofing with a sump pump and drainage system provides additional protection by controlling moisture already inside.
How Much Does It Cost to Waterproof a Basement?
Costs differ based on methods and materials used. Basement waterproofing ranges from $70 to $230 per linear foot, while exterior solutions can go up to $320. Other possible costs include:
- Foundation repair: $1,550–$3,150
- Sump pump installation: $450–$3,900
- Window well installation: $69–$330/linear foot
On average, a complete waterproofing project can range from $10,000 to $30,000. Smaller preventative methods like installing a dehumidifier may cost under $1,000.
Keep Your Home Safe
Unpreventive moisture can give rise to cracks and foundation damage that can compromise your home’s structural safety. Interior basement waterproofing plays an important role in keeping a dry, stable, and healthy living space. Tross Construction is here to help with expert advice and quality renovations. Get in touch with us today to learn how we build secure basements protected against water seepage with evident interior basement waterproofing methods.