Different Ways To Waterproofing Your Basement

Basement foundation homes have unique benefits to homeowners across the US from slab foundation (basement-free homes). First, a basement offers additional space, giving homeowners the flexibility to remodel and adapt it to any use. According to the 2022 remodeling impact report, finished basements have an 86% ROI when selling a home.

Second, basements offer protection against natural disasters, especially in disaster-prone states like Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s proximity to the Atlantic makes it susceptible to tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

However, basements are more prone to water damage than above-ground rooms. Therefore, neglecting to waterproof your basement can lead to costly repairs rather than a high ROI. So, keep reading to discover various basement interior and exterior waterproofing solutions.

Benefits of Waterproofing Your Basement

As stated above, Philadelphia’s unique geographical location means multiple houses in the state have basements. Therefore, waterproofing the basement in a Philadelphia home is a no-brainer.

However, while searching for basement proofing services online is straightforward, not all service providers offer high-quality services. Therefore, when combing the results for searches like “basement waterproofing Philadelphia,”  consider the service provider’s years of experience, consultancy services like free consultations, and familiarity with waterproofing techniques. A service provider that checks all the boxes guarantees the long-term basement-proofing benefits highlighted below.

·         To preserve your home’s structural integrity: Waterproofing your basement protects it from structural damage, like cracks, drywall deterioration, and wood rot, that could compromise your house’s habitability.

·         To prevent health hazards:  Besides the risk of bodily harm from collapsing structures, water-compromised basement walls create conducive breeding grounds for harmful organisms like mold, bacteria, algae, and viruses. Such organisms compromise indoor air quality by releasing pollutants like spores and musty odors.

·         To preserve home aesthetics: Haunted house chic is never a good look, not even on Halloween. A home with flaking paint, efflorescence, and wall and floor discoloration is anything but delightful.

·         To prevent property destruction: Besides structural damage, the high moisture content from a damp basement can damage furniture and appliances.

How To Waterproof Your Basement’s Interior?

Water/ moisture damage to your basement can either be interior or exterior. The internal causes of water seepage into your basement include:

·         Condensation from internal activities like drying clothes, cooking, and hot showers.

·         Interior water leaks

·         Floor cracks

Waterproofing specialists/ contractors may use the methods below to waterproof your basement’s interior walls. 

1. Installing An Interior/ French Drainage System

A French Drain is a system that utilizes gravity to eliminate pooling water from your basement. It features a perforated pipe connected to a sump pump that directs water outside via a discharge line, allowing your basement to remain dry. Below is an overview of how experts construct French drains.

·         Begin by digging a drainage at least 18-24 inches deep and lining it with gravel or other practical soft rocks that drain water. 

·         Consider digging the drain where water pools, which is most likely the basement floor perimeter or the intersection between the floor and the wall. Depending on the water damage, drilling weep holes in the wall along the drain may be necessary.

·         Line the drainage with a filter material to trap debris and prevent system clogs.

·         Place the perforated pipe inside the lined drain and connect it to the sump pipe inside the sump pit/basin.

·         Bury the pipe with a gravel layer, cover the layer with the filter material, and pour concrete to re-cement the floor.

2. Seal/Coat The Interior Walls

Wall sealants/ waterproofing products are effective if precipitation seepage is via basement walls. Ensure the wall is dry and prepare the wall by removing existing paint before applying at least two layers of waterproof sealant. The sealant forms a protective layer that prevents water seepage.

3. Fill The Cracks And Gaps On the Basement Floor And Walls

Water from internal and external sources may find its way into your basement via cracked surfaces. Moreover, the precipitation may widen existing cracks.

Consider using hydraulic cement to seal the cracks. Unlike other cement binders, hydraulic cement sets via a chemical reaction with water to produce a waterproof surface.

How To Waterproof Your Basement’s Exterior?

External causes of water seepage into your basement include:

·         Poor slope/gradient

·         Lack of/damaged gutters

·         Rain/ heavy precipitation

·         Underground water

·         Broken/ poorly installed window wells

Below is an overview of viable techniques for waterproofing your basement to prevent water seepage from the outside.

1. Improve The Grading On Your Property

The grading on your property should be away from your house’s foundation rather than towards it. When the grading is toward your house, hydrostatic pressure build-up over time causes it to penetrate the foundation and seep into your basement. Fortunately, you can correct the grading by building dirt around the foundation.

2. Install/Fix Gutters

Gutter systems carry rainwater away from your roof and down through a downspout, preventing heavy precipitation from accumulating around your foundation and seeping into the basement, causing water damage. Also, connect the downspout to ground-level drainage or fit it with extenders to disperse rainwater as far away from the foundation as possible.

3. Fix/ Maintain Window Wells

Window wells installed without property drainage allow water to collect and generate enough hydrostatic pressure to leak into your basement via the walls and window sills or even crack the window panes.

Therefore, consult an expert to redo poorly installed window wells and redirect rainwater to your external sump pump or alternative external drainage solutions. Also, remove debris from the window as frequently as experts direct to avoid clogging the drainage system.

4. Install An Exterior French Drainage System

You can extend your interior French drain via an external system that drains water outside your property far away from your basement’s foundation and walls.

Conclusion

The waterproofing solution for your basement depends on the leakage issue at hand. Therefore, consider consulting a professional, experienced, and certified waterproofing contractor for guidance on long-term waterproofing solutions and installations.