The basement is below ground level. Due to this, the space down there is prone to water damage. This can come from various situations. Some of these include rising groundwater and heavy rains. Water has the potential to seep into the basement. This can be via various channels. For instance, there could be cracks in the foundation. Another cause is having a poor drainage system. Aging waterproofing materials could also be a problem.
Water in the basement can be quite detrimental. It can lead to a lot of damage. This can be in the form of messing up your home’s structural integrity. It could also cause mold growth.
Since you don’t want to experience such issues, it makes sense to be proactive. This article explains various solutions to keep your basement dry year-round.
Basement Without Water Damage!
Interior Sealants and Waterproof Paints
Are you looking for a simple way to deal with moisture issues? Contemplate interior sealants and moisture-proof paints. The idea here is to apply these components to interior walls and floors. This helps create a barrier. It works well in blocking vapor. It also does a great job of preventing dampness from seeping through. By doing this, there will be no seepage through the concrete surfaces.
This solution is great if you are dealing with small problems. In such a case, it will do an amazing job of keeping your space dry. It will also help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. The result will be a dry and healthy area for you and your family.
Sump Pump Installation
Another great way to deal with basement flooding is to install a sump pump. This is because it does an excellent job of moving overflow out of your home. It then redirects it far from the foundation.
When you decide to install one, you have to note that there are various choices to consider. One example is the pedestal pump. This one has a motor line that sits above the water line. Another option is the submersible pump. This one sits in the water itself. The choice you make will highly depend on the layout. It will also be affected by the severity of moisture problems that you are dealing with.
Exterior Waterproof Membranes
You need to stop water from getting down there in the first place. A fantastic way to go about this is to use exterior membranes. They are applied to the outside of foundation walls. The result is a seamless barrier. This technique works well in preventing seepage through cracks.
The problem is handled from the outside. This means that you can be guaranteed maximum protection from prolonged exposure to water issues. Through this, you get to prevent long-term damage caused by moisture infiltration. This protects your basement from structural weakening and wall deterioration.
Although installing exterior membranes is a bit expensive at first, it’s still a worthwhile investment.
Installing a French Drain System
This is a proven and time-tested method of dealing with basement water problems. It entails a perforated pipe laid in a gravel-filled trench. It’s usually installed around the perimeter of your home’s foundation. It also works quite well when positioned along the interior basement walls.
When water accumulates, it flows into the pipe through the gravel. It’s then carried away from the home. This helps prevent seepage into the basement.
Proper Gutter and Downspout Maintenance
You need to ensure that your gutters and downspouts are operating as they should be. This is because when they are clogged, water can overflow. It can then pool around your home’s foundation. Once this goes on for some time, expect to have issues in the basement. This can lead to structural damage and mold growth.
Since you don’t want to experience such issues, consider maintaining your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis.
Just like other parts of your home, the basement is quite important. You can use it as an extra storage space or even an office. It may also work quite well as a library or home gym. Regardless of how you implement the space down there, you can’t enjoy it fully if you are dealing with water problems.
It is for this reason that you should consider investing in waterproofing solutions. Some great options to contemplate include installing a sump pump or applying interior sealants. You can also benefit from having a French drain system.
With the right approach, you can ensure your basement stays dry year-round.
