The 3 Options For Basement Waterproofing
Posted on: 24 February 2022
If you are tired of the musty smells in your unfinished basement, then waterproofing will solve the problem once and for all!
However, not all basement waterproofing options are the same. For this reason, it is vital you choose the correct option for the specific problem your damp basement has.
To this end, here are the three basement waterproofing options and some information about each:
Option #1: Dehumidification
If you are lucky, the dampness in your basement is simply water condensation from high humidity. This is a common problem in areas in the south and along the Gulf Coast where the environments are often very humid.
To test for humidity issues, simply tape a piece of aluminum foil to a basement wall and leave it there for a day or two. Afterward, look at the foil and determine which side of it is wet.
If the foil is wet on the room side, then you have a humidity problem and simply running a dehumidifier will solve the problem.
If the foil is wet on the side against the wall, then your home has a drainage problem with the water seeping through the foundation. Running a dehumidifier won't solve this problem.
Option #2: Interior Basement Waterproofing
If your basement is getting some moisture seeping in through the foundation walls but only after excessively bad storms, then interior waterproofing is a viable option.
Interior waterproofing involves caulking any cracks or gaps and then painting a sealant or rubberized paint product onto the inside of all of the basement walls.
The products made for waterproofing basements act as a physical barrier against stormwater absorption into the basement. The water stays in the soil and the foundational concrete until the weather improves and it naturally dries out.
Option #3: Exterior Basement Waterproofing
If your home is located in an area with excessive winter moisture or a high water table, then you will never fix a wet basement problem with interior sealers or dehumidifiers. Instead, the basement will need exterior waterproofing.
As the name implies, exterior waterproofing requires the soil to be excavated away from your home's foundation, drainage installed, and the exterior foundation walls treated with a barrier product.
Once exterior basement waterproofing has been completed, then water will drain away from your home. Any water left in the soil near the foundation will not seep through the barrier-treated walls and the basement will stay dry.
To learn more, contact a company like ACCA.
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