When waterproofed, the basement could reduce the risks of flooding. In addition, it limits water seepage. Also, it reduces overall moisture that may cause structural damages. With these advantages, waterproofing one’s basement is necessary.
Yet, basement waterproofing could be challenging. It needs detailed procedures and some tools to be successful. In most cases, homeowners seek professional help. For that purpose, they could hire a former contractor. Or, they can resort to new ones who have the appropriate knowledge and tools for the job.
Suppose you’re a homeowner who needs to waterproof your basement. In that case, you may want to know how this process works. To help you out, here’s a step-by-step process of basement waterproofing:
1. Excavate The Outer Perimeter
The first step could be the most challenging part of the process. In this portion, workers need to dig up to the drainage system. This process should also expose the total height of the foundation wall.
The depth of the excavation depends on the depth of the footings and weeping tile. This way, soil removal will be easier and faster. For that purpose, companies providing basement waterproofing services typically use excavators. They may include backhoes and long-reach, too.
2. Inspect And Clean The Walls
In this step, workers examine the walls once the exterior side of the foundation is exposed. Then, they’d power-wash both sides of the wall. They’ll also check if there are cracks that they need to fill in. Generally, they use hydraulic cement to patch up these fissures. This way, they will be able to prevent water seepage from happening.
3. Apply Appropriate Coating
This process covers the first batch of cement patching. This way, this double sealing covers the cracks that the previous sealing failed to fill in. In most cases, contractors use cement-based sealants in this process. This is because they’re easy to prepare and even easier to apply. Many workers finalize surface coating by troweling to a more refined finish.
4. Install A Liquid Membrane
Liquid membrane is a popular waterproofing material. Its types include polyurethane, acrylic, and combined. In addition, the liquid membrane looks like a modified asphalt with rubber-like properties.
Workers either spray or trowel the liquid membrane. In the case of basement waterproofing, the liquid membrane is spread in length. The best attribute of liquid membranes is their ability to seep into newly formed cracks.
5. Apply A Drainage Board
Drainage boards help in avoiding water from staying in the basement; hence they can help avoid puddles. These materials have a simple design that collects water and lets it flow toward the outside. Generally, these materials work against the moisture on the foundation and basement. For optimal results, the boards should be cut and applied to the actual foundation depth.
6. Fit A Glass Fabric
This process reinforces the earlier waterproofing procedures. In the long run, glass fabric installation protects the basement against mold and mildew growth. With extensive basement and foundation wall application, the covered areas are completely coated.
7. Apply An Extra Coating Of Liquid Membrane (Optional)
This step aims to strengthen the liquid membrane. Further, it improves the entire basement waterproofing system. An extra liquid membrane also ensures that all cracks and holes are covered. Yet, this extra layer adds cost to the budget, which is why it’s only an optional step.
8. Install A French Drain
A French drain, or drain tile, is necessary to have proper basement drainage. Contractors install this component at the base of the footing below the basement level. For best results, contractors put a washed gravel to compact the drain installation. This procedure uses a filtration fabric and a PVC pipe for optimized drainage.
9. Complete The Waterproofing
The last step in basement waterproofing is to backfill the soil in the excavated areas. In addition, final touches also involve thoroughly cleaning the basement. Furthermore, in the last steps, you can also compact the filled-in spaces.
Wrapping Up
Basement waterproofing is a vital home improvement to prevent more trouble. Neglected water issues may affect not just the basement but also the foundation. When these issues complicate, your home may be susceptible to structural collapse. That’s why every building should apply proper and efficient waterproofing to prevent further complications. In addition, homeowners should hire an efficient waterproofing services company.
If you’re really into basement waterproofing, you may want to know the needed materials to avoid in the process. These include tar, limestone, and plastic. Tar isn’t applicable for waterproofing because of its brittleness–water can take advantage of it. On the other hand, plastic peels in the long run. This happens when exposed to extreme temperatures. Lastly, limestone limits drainage capabilities and may cause clogging.