What Should I Use for My Basement Waterproofing?

The materials that can be used to waterproof a basement are numerous; however, it is important to understand not only what kinds of waterproofing techniques should be used, but also when it is necessary to call in a professional. In addition, it is also important to know where you are located geographically, as where you live can also have an impact on the kinds of treatments used to remedy the issue of a basement leak.

For the most part, when homeowners think of basement waterproofing they look for simple sealing products. This indicates that they have a basement that, most likely, has already been waterproofed and are in need of a waterproofing solution for a small, damp area in their basement. These kinds of sealants are widely available, and can be applied concrete or even mortar in block walls. It should be noted that if a concrete sealant is the remedy that a homeowner decides upon, the entire basement must be sealed, as water – especially water under pressure – is able to find a way around sealants that are not applied to an entire basement. Sealants, while they are a definite viable option for basement waterproofing projects, only seal the inside of a home.

If you have water pressing against the outside of your home, cracks may appear in the walls. If your walls are composed of plaster, the loose plaster must be removed, and the hole filled with new plaster. Another option for homeowners that experience cracks in their cellar walls is to use what is referred to as stitching material. Stitching material is composed of metal staples that are inserted along a crack and ultimately prevent the possibility of further movement. Following the implementation of the stitching material into the cracks, any shrinkage resistant concrete patching material should be used to fill up the cracks.

For larger cracks in a basement wall or floor, there is a kind of concrete that can be sprayed in the crevices and dries smooth if the ratio is correct.

Other ways to ensure that there is as little water making its way to the basement as possible are:

• Ensuring that gutters are clean and that the ground is sloped away from the house;
• Driveways crevices are repaired;
• Curtain drains are installed to move surface water away from the base of the home;
• Installing a sump pump or even using interior channels to direct water to a floor drain.

This is to say, that whatever your plumbing and waterproofing needs, please contact www.DrainCom.com for a free estimate.