The basement, often the lowest point of the home, is unfortunately a common target for water intrusions. Whether it’s from heavy rainfall, groundwater seepage or plumbing leaks, a wet basement can lead to a host of problems, including structural damage, mold growth, must odors and a decrease in property value. Fortunately, a range of effective basement waterproofing solutions exist to combat these issues and ensure a dry and usable space.
At Above Board, we’ve helped countless homeowners reclaim their basements from the damaging effects of water. We understand that navigating the world of waterproofing can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to walk you through various solutions, ranging from simply DIY fixes to robust professional installations. If you’re facing a persistent wet basement, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts at Above Board for a thorough assessment and tailored recommendations.
For minor water issues and preventative measures, some DIY solutions can offer initial relief. Sealing cracks in your foundation walls and floors with epoxy or polyurethane injections can be effective for small, non-structural cracks. These sealants create a barrier against water entry, helping your basement stay dry. Applying a waterproof sealant or paint to the interior basement walls can help damp-proof the space, preventing moisture from seeping through porous concrete. However, these methods primarily address surface-level moisture and won’t solve water intrusion problems.
A crucial first step in preventing a wet basement is managing water around your home’s foundation. Improving gutters and downspouts is essential. Ensure that they are clean, free of debris, and properly directed away from your home. Downspout extensions that carry water several feet away from the foundation are an effective measure. Similarly, grading the soil around your foundation so it slopes away from the house can help divert surface water and prevent it from pooling near the walls. This may involve adding soil to create necessary slopage.
When dealing with more significant water intrusion, professional waterproofing systems offer more effective long-term solutions. An interior drainage system is a common and effective approach. This typically involves installing a channel along the perimeter of your basement floor to collect water that seeps in. This collected water is then directed to a sump pump, which actively pumps the water out of your home. A properly functioning sump pump is critical and considering a backup sump pump system is wise for protection during outages.
Exterior Waterproofing
For a more comprehensive approach, exterior waterproofing involves excavating around the foundation down to the footing. A waterproof membrane is then applied to the exterior foundation walls to create a robust barrier against water penetration. Often, a drainage board and a weeping tile system are installed alongside this membrane to further channel water away from the foundation. This is a more involved process but is the most effective long term protection against water intrusion.
Another professional service is basement damp proofing. While not the same as waterproofing, damp proofing involves applying sealants to the interior basement walls to prevent moisture from passing through. This can be effective for managing minor moisture issues as well as improving the overall humidity levels in the basement.
Dehumidifiers can play a role in managing humidity levels as well as preventing mold growth in basements. However, they should be considered a supplementary measure. They address the damp air issue, but not the underlying cause of water intrusion. To truly fix a wet basement, it’s important that the source of the water is identified and stopped.
Effectively tackling basement water problems often requires the expertise of professionals who can diagnose the source of the issue and recommend the most appropriate solution. At Above Board, our team can conduct a thorough basement assessment and provide tailored waterproofing solutions to meet your needs. No matter the issue, we are equipped to help you achieve a dry and usable basement space.