A Guide To Waterproofing Your Concrete Basement
Given the location of your basement and how easy it can be for water to gain access to it, waterproofing it is essential, and maintaining its resistance to water in the future is similarly important. As a result, it is better to take preventative measures first and then to examine those measures regularly to verify that water is still unable to breach the foundation in the future. When appropriate measures to minimize the possibility of water damage have been provided, it is safe to take additional waterproofing measures, as explained below.
Preventing Water From Entering The Basement Or Accessing The Adjacent Area
Since it is far easier to prevent damage if the water is successfully diverted from the area, it will first be necessary to evaluate how likely it is for water to come close enough to the basement to actually cause a problem. For example, you should verify that the gutters release water no less than five feet away from the home. When that occurs, the water is less likely to contaminate the basement, because it is less likely to actually get to the basement.
In addition, the ground outside the basement needs to veer away from the basement, not toward it. That is due to the fact that if it veers towards the basement, there is a strong chance that transplanted soil will compact more firmly than naturally occurring soil. If that happens, any moisture in the soil can allow your home to become wet unnecessarily, allowing for mold to grow. That mold can spread, and a moldy basement can spread its unwanted mold growth throughout the home.
Examining And Repairing Damaged Concrete To Prevent Water From Entering The Area
Next, you need to examine the basement to find any cracks, broken pieces and other imperfections in the concrete. Each of those should be filled in with an appropriate concrete filler and then smoothed to create a consistent surface. It is important to note that in this situation, it is best to thoroughly examine the area, including closets, floors, walls, and the ceiling. You should also plan to move the boxes, furniture, and other items in the basement for a thorough inspection.
After the damaged areas have been repaired, it is time to apply a waterproofing solution, particularly If you live in an area with a lot of moisture in the ground or if your climate tends to be quite wet for much of the year. It has often been recommended that at least two layers of the waterproofing sealant should be applied in order to guarantee success.
In conclusion, a wet basement is not only unpleasant, it can also quickly become unhealthy and unsafe for anyone in the home. As a result, it is a good idea to be aware of the information provided above. For more information, contact a contractor who specializes in basement construction.