Waterproofing your basement is worthwhile because you won't have to worry about mold growth or basement water leaks. If this has been a problem in your house, you may notice an improvement in your breathing once the service is completed. Mold and mildew can cause a variety of health problems if left untreated.
It is best to waterproof the outer walls of a basement during building construction. Many state and municipal building code regulations demand this practice in newer construction, but many older properties may not have any external waterproofing in place.
When it comes to waterproof-resistant solutions, interior waterproofing is both effective and cost efficient. However, it only works in certain conditions. It removes water that has already accumulated in your basement, but won't stop water from coming in. The purpose of interior waterproofing is to make sure that water leaks in the basement are re-routed out and away from the house.
To waterproof an exterior concrete wall, the best waterproofing method is to use a silicate-based concrete sealer. This sealer reacts with the ingredients in the masonry and concrete to form a water-resistant coating. This sealant works best when applied to unsealed/unpainted walls. Paint can then be applied over the concrete sealer once it has dried.
A drain should be installed in each window well to allow water to leave the well and prevent it from pooling. If there is no drainage for the well, water can accumulate and cause a basement leak. Separate drains don't necessary need to be built for each window well. Instead you can connect it to the interior or exterior drain tile.
Foundation cracks can be difficult to decipher. Some small cracks won't grow any larger over time and can be left alone. Other cracks will grow into bigger problems and will require a costly fix. However, there are three cases when you should start to worry; when the crack is wider than 1/10 inch, the crack is wider at one end, or the crack is continuing to get better overtime.
Most policies will not cover a foundation crack because it is deemed a maintenance problem. To avoid having to pay a high repair fee, inspect basement walls for cracks on a regular basis and double-check the caulking around windows and doors once a year.
Basement waterproofing costs normally vary between $1,000 and $25,000, but might exceed $50,000 depending on the size of the building. External waterproofing is a large job that should only be done by experts.
Because basements are one of the most typical locations for water leaks, having your basement waterproofed is a terrific selling feature. It's also an excellent way to raise the value of your home!
Basement waterproofing is proven to work. Waterproofing a basement from the inside is usually the best option for most homes, owing to the fact that it is less expensive and less disruptive than external excavation.
If you attempt to waterproof your own property from the outside, keep in mind that you will most likely be digging a 7 – 8 foot deep trench. This is extremely risky, and if proper bracing is not used, the hole may cave in and inflict serious injury.
The duration of waterproofing is determined by several factors, including the amount of waterproofing substance used, the climate, and the severity of the initial damage. There is no defined timeframe for all of the constituents, but most professionals will warranty it for about ten years.
When done correctly, exterior drainage is widely regarded as the most effective method of waterproofing a basement.
The best concrete sealers to use when sealing basement flooring and foundation walls are the Lithi-Tek 4500 primer followed by the Siloxa-Tek 8510 waterproofing sealer. It’s also a good idea to use a moisture vapour barrier coating like the Vapor-Tek 440 when building basement flooring.
