Basement waterproofing – means keeping water out of the basement. It refers to the products and techniques used for preventing water from entering a home basement. In places where ground water easily builds up to raise the water table as a result of which the hydrostatic pressure increases, it is a must to take up drainage and waterproofing measures. The increased hydrostatic pressure may cause major damage to the structure of the building and may further contribute to problems related to mold and possible foundation repairs. Sump pumps, sealers and drainage systems are an essential part of effective belowground waterproofing measures.
Should you encounter an issue with wet basements, such as is usually the case after a heavy rain, you will need someone with experience repairing foundations and basement waterproofing. As basements are closed areas by nature, they are very much prone to problems related to humidity which occasionally causes dampness and can also lead to water damage and health problems.
The absence of waterproofing is one of the many reasons which may result in a wet basement and foundation issues. If you are planning to remodel your basement, then the best way to begin is by adopting proven measures to make sure the basement is free from water. If you are able to protect the basement from incoming water, then there will be a very small opportunity of mold and mildew occurring in the basement. The problems from mold and mildew arise due to poor waterproofing in the basement and exterior drainage, and it can even make the people very ill.
To keep the basement dry, there are many products for basement waterproofing available in today’s market. Many are distinct solutions available for different types of waterproofing problems. One such method is called tanking, which means putting a membrane to the outside and covering the basement, so that no water can enter through the basement walls. During new construction, the method of tanking is the most suitable one.
The exterior foundation drain, commonly known to many in the construction industry as the “French drain”, is necessary for basement waterproofing in homes located in places where there is flooding occurring occasionally. It is a system built on the outside foundation wall of the building which takes away the water without reaching the basement walls via a perforated pipe drainage system.
The best solution for basement waterproofing problems, and such eliminating potential foundation repairs, is a good mix of both the tanking method as well as the exterior foundation drainage.
Excellent advice. It is important to make sure that acceptable, tested methods are used when remodeling a basement. This can save headaches in the long run and help your home keeps its value in the long run.
Comment by Antonio — July 30, 2010 @ 11:43 am |