QA

Question: How Does Basement Waterproofing Work

An interior basement waterproofing system can manage water under your floor effectively by removing groundwater before it touches your floor. Some systems sold by large franchises manage water at almost floor level, defeating keeping moisture out and keeping walls and floor dry.

Does waterproofing a basement really work?

Waterproofing a basement from the inside is typically the best option for most homes – mainly because it’s more cost-effective and less disruptive than exterior excavation.

How is waterproofing of basement done?

Waterproofing an existing basement begins with excavating to the bottom sides of the footings. Once excavated, the walls are then power washed and allowed to dry. The dry walls are sealed with a waterproofing membrane, and new drainage tiles (weeping tiles) are placed at the side of the footing.

Should I waterproof my basement from the inside or outside?

Waterproofing the outside of your foundation is the best way to shore up your basement. Interior waterproofing can prevent water damage from getting worse, but having the repairs done on the outside fixes the weaknesses where the start.

Can you waterproof a basement from the inside?

If there’s condensation on the outside of the foil, you have high humidity in your basement. In that case, waterproofing your basement walls can be useful. You can waterproof just your interior walls, which may solve the problem. Or you can waterproof your exterior walls, which is a better bet — but more costly.

How long does it take to waterproof a basement?

To sum up, Basement Waterproofing timelines can vary depending on what needs to be done. As a general rule, the projects should be encased within 3 days, many times much less time than that. Most of our repairs are done within a day. It is when we have the larger projects that the timeline can be extended out 2-3 days.

How can I waterproof my basement myself?

DO apply a masonry waterproofing product to bare interior basement walls. If your foil test showed that water is soaking through your basement walls and leaving them wet, seal the interior of the walls with a high-quality waterproof paint, such as DRYLOK White Extreme Waterproofer (available from Home Depot).

What is negative side waterproofing?

Called negative-side waterproofing, this technique involves applying product to the dry or inside face of the surface. Negative side waterproofing prevents water from entering occupied space, but it does not prevent water from entering the substrate.

Should you seal basement walls?

If there are not any immediate problems with the walls or floors, prevent future damage by applying one or two coats of basement sealer. It is also important to safeguard the basement by ensuring that water can’t make its way into the home via the foundation.

Does Flex Seal work on basement floors?

Flex Seal Liquid is thicker than paint and dries into a strong, rubberized coating. It can also help seal out air, water, and moisture and is chemical and mildew resistant – making it a great choice for your basement walls.

Is Drylock good for basement walls?

Drylok is a product that is used to stop water seepage on interior masonry walls. It is supposed to seal basement foundations, primarily block foundations but I’ve seen it on concrete as well. Of course, the reason you need to seal any basement foundation is because the foundation is porous.

What is exterior basement waterproofing?

Exterior waterproofing (or sometimes known as external waterproofing) repairs your leaky basement from the outside of your home by exposing the foundation and applying the necessary waterproofing material to create a foundation waterproofing system that will redirect and disperse water away from your foundation walls.

Why does my basement leak when it rains?

The most common causes of basement leaks is pressure created by water in the soil surrounding the foundation. During periods of heavy or persistent rain, the soil can become saturated, creating hydrostatic pressure (or water pressure) that can push moisture and water through your basement walls and floor.

How do you keep water from coming through concrete floor?

Any joints in your concrete floor also invite water to seep in, and the best way to stop water in these areas is to seal them up with exterior-grade caulk.

How often do you need to waterproof a basement?

Over the course of 3 to 5 years; exterior waterproofing materials wear off caused by the ebb and flow of groundwater. Depending on the type of soil, location, and landscape slope (grade); a basement can have longer-lasting exterior waterproofing.

How do I know if I have water in my basement?

Cracks are some of the most obvious signs of water leaking into a basement wall. Essentially, improperly sealed concrete is porous, so capillary action causes it to absorb groundwater. That, combined with the hydrostatic pressure from the groundwater outside, starts to wear down on the integrity of the basement walls.

What is the best way to seal a concrete basement floor?

Whether you plan on finishing your basement space or keeping it in its original state, it is important to apply a waterproof sealant to the concrete floor in order to lock out moisture. An epoxy-coated basement floor is one of the best ways to maintain and preserve your space.

How do you waterproof a concrete basement floor?

Two of the best options for waterproof flooring for basements are epoxy paint and sealed concrete. Not only are both affordable, but they are durable and allow for adequate waterproofing. Epoxy paint dries thick and hard, providing the necessary durability that goes hand-in-hand with maintaining a basement floor.

Why is there a gap between basement wall and floor?

It exists due to the way that a home’s foundation is poured. After your foundation footings are built, your basement walls are poured so that they slot into a keyway. This helps keep them properly aligned. This leaves a small gap between the floor and the walls – known as the cove joint.

How do you fix water seeping through walls?

Waterproof the External Walls and Roof To prevent water seepage in walls, exterior waterproofing coats are required to be applied on the external walls. A waterproof coat will create a barrier to the rainwater and moisture, and prevent damp walls in your home. Waterproofing the roof is just as crucial.