Updated 3/30/22
Basement waterproofing may lead to several problems when done poorly. To achieve a dry basement, you need to ensure that the right products are applied to the walls.
You can do DIY basement waterproofing to solve some of the problems you could be experiencing. If you are experiencing water leakage from your basement, searching for how to fix water leaking through the basement wall can provide you with a step-by-step guide you can follow. YouTube videos can also guide you on how to stop foundation leaks from inside. There are many guidelines available on how to stop water leaks in concrete walls that can guide you throughout the process.
However, with DIY basement waterproofing, you might miss some steps, hence hiring a professional waterproofing company for a comprehensive assessment. A reputable waterproofing company has the expertise needed for the best waterproof coating for walls.
Choosing the right basement waterproofing company will guide you on the entire procedure and choose the right materials. Knowing how to gauge a company can help you decide if they are best suitable to handle your situation.
A flooded or leaking basement is probably every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Basements are so often used for storage that a wet basement often signals that countless other materials have been compromised as well. Even worse, if you don’t dry out the space appropriately and seek out water proofing solutions, you run the risk for mold growth in the basement, which is often time-consuming and irritating to remove. Luckily, a basement waterproofing company can help fix the causes of your leaking or flooded basement and ensure that the problem won’t happen again. However, there are certain things you should be looking for when you hire a basement waterproofing company and things that you need to know if your basement is leaking or flooded in the first place. Taking each step as it comes will help you treat the problem appropriately and help you avoid any mishaps in the future.
Don’t Worry — It Can Happen to Anyone!
If you’re despairing about a wet or flooded basement and the loss of some of your valuables, take some small comfort in knowing that almost all homes with basements experience some degree of water damage — over 98%! In 2013, water damage was responsible for over a quarter of insurance loss claims. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding or experience heavy rainfall, there are certain things you can do to keep your basement reasonably dry and your belongings from getting soaked. Putting your possessions up on stilts can alleviate the effects of a particularly heavy rainfall — though it won’t do much for severe flooding. Getting a submersible pump (often referred to as a sub pump) can also help get water out of your basement quickly. They last between five to fifteen years on average, so it’s a good investment.
Oh my Gosh! My Basement is Totally Flooded. What Do I Do?
Of course, the first thing you’ll want to do is to pump out the basement. Once the water has been removed, it’s time to really thoroughly dry everything, as quickly as possible. The ideal time frame here is between 24-48 hours of the flooding occurring. This will help you avoid mold growth, which can be whole separate battle. Open up windows and have fans going for optimum ventilation.
After that, any cloth items like bedding, towels, upholstery, etc., should be removed as well if they suffered damage. If they’re not dry in 48 hours, you’ll have to throw them out, because they’ll start to harbor mold growth. Consider hiring a basement waterproofing company to fix anything the flood may have damaged and to make sure your basement is as watertight as it possibly can be.
What Should I Know About Waterproofing My Basement?
First of all, you need to find the root cause. Do you have a cracked foundation and need foundation repairs? Are gutters, pipes, or other drainage systems angling water towards your basement? Are plants or another landscaping shrubbery too close to your foundation and funneling water towards your basement? Once you know the cause, you can work to fix the problem.
If your foundation has cracks that are bigger than a quarter inch in width or have stair step cracks in blocks or bricks, it needs immediate attention. Dirt around the foundation should be sloping six inches for every ten horizontal feet and plants should be at least two feet away from the foundation and settled low enough in the soil that water won’t be diverted towards the foundation itself.
A basement waterproofing company can help identify the problem and apply one or more waterproofing methods. This may be interior or exterior excavation waterproofing, injecting epoxy into foundation cracks — typically this only effective with a concrete foundation — or applying waterproofing paint or primer.
Don’t let a wet basement get you down — there are ways to fix it and ensure that it doesn’t happen again, barring a major natural disaster. Be proactive about your basement and don’t let small leaks add up to one big problem! There could be underlying issues that are a symptom of a bigger issue.