Four Steps to Seal & Waterproof A Basement
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Leaky basment walls and floors can let in water after heavy rainfu resulting in expensive damages. Protect your investment by waterproofing your basement and making foundation repairs if needed. |
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Water can leak in to your basement, especially when it rains a lot. Sealed cellars from excess moisture are a great way to add an extra layer of protection from the elements. Water leaks and moisture damage problems can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Here are some tips to help you properly seal your basement.
1. Moisture can enter your basement in many ways. When waterproofing your basement, you need to keep this in mind. Cracks in concrete can allow water to enter your basement, especially during heavy bouts of rain. Since concrete is also porous, it allows some water vapor to enter your basement. To combat water vapor, people often use a humidifier. However, this approach only masks the problem. Basement waterproofing offers a much more durable solution.
2. To properly seal foundation walls and floors, you must first make sure you eliminate all sources of moisture in the basement. A common way for moisture to build up in your basement is through your dryer vent. Make sure ventilation releases moisture. The second path is through the air conditioning ducts. Ensure they are well insulated to prevent condensation forming.
3. The next step in waterproofing basements is to make sure that the falling rainwater does not reach anywhere near the base of your home. Depending on the situation, you may need to install a series of gutters, downspouts and drains to do this. You may also need to replace damaged gutters and downspouts that no longer effectively direct water away from the foundation.
4. After draining the rainwater from the foundation, the next step in sealing the foundation is to make sure the openings for pipes, conduits, etc. are sealed properly. Do a careful inspection of all pipes and ducts to make sure there are no leaks. Although you won't be able to see any leaks, please be aware that even the smallest amount of moisture can be harmful, so seal everything with the correct sealant. Also, make sure you caulk and seal any holes in the corners and in the ceiling.
It may take some time to find all the areas that need to be sealed, but the more careful you are, the better your chances of finding everything. Once you have everything sealed up good, it is a great idea to install a humidifier for added peace of mind. If you have a recurring flood problem, buying and installing a sump pump is also a good thought.