Basement waterproofing entails the use of various kinds of materials and techniques to prevent water from seeping into the basement of a building. The process is important since a basement can only serve its intended purpose, such as providing storage space, if it is from water that is leaking from the upper sections of the structure.
Several methods can be used in basement waterproofing. These include total excavation and installation of interior systems. Various steps are involved when waterproofing basements. In the sections below, you will learn about the various options that you can use for basement waterproofing as well as the general steps that are followed.
Basement waterproofing options
- Total excavation: Total excavation involves the use of a backhoe to excavate the exterior section of a home’s foundation in order to expose the wall and do any repair that may be required. Thereafter, the wall is waterproofed using materials such as plastic and tar.
- Installation of interior systems: Interior drains can be installed to waterproof a basement. In this case, pipes are installed on the floor of the basement to drain any water that may be trapped. Small holes are also created to aid this process. The holes are covered with styrene or plastic molding before the basement floor’s concrete is restored.
The steps involved when waterproofing basements
A basement waterproofing exercise typically involves six steps. These steps are explained below.
- Excavation
The area around the basement is dug all the way to the basement’s floor. The waterproofing materials are then applied on the basement’s walls. Drainage tiles, crushed stones and perforated pipes are also installed on the area to be protected or just below it.
Once excavation has been done, the walls of the basement are cleaned and checked for cracks or areas that can cause water to leak in. If any such areas are identified, they are fixed by applying a coat of hydraulic cement.
- Applying sealant
A coat of a cement-based sealant is applied on all the exterior walls of the basement to close all pores in the wall.
- Applying a membrane
A waterproofing membrane is also applied. The waterproofing material is basically made of asphalt-modified polyurethane components and helps harden the sealant so as to seal all fissures.
- Installing a drainage mat
A drainage mat is installed to create air gaps so as to get rid of moisture within the basement.
- Completing the French drain
The French drain or weeping tile is installed at the base of the basement to help drain any water that accumulates within the basement.
Contact the professionals at AM Shield Waterproofing! (516) 294-8400
