Waterproofing solutions for basements come in a range of forms. They include preventative measures and reactive solutions.
Preventative methods are designed to stop moisture before it can cause damage. They typically involve excavation and drainage systems. They also can include coatings and sealants. However, they don’t address cracks and can have their own problems.
Waterproofing the Walls
Having water in your basement is more than just an unpleasant inconvenience. It’s a health hazard and could lead to the need for costly repairs. That’s why addressing the problem when you notice water in your basement is essential.
Many homeowners think waterproofing is like waterproofing a pair of shoes by applying a coating that sheds water, but the process is more complex for foundations. The concrete foundation of a home is in direct contact with the soil, and there are several ways that water can interact with it. Whether it’s groundwater rising through the soil and exerting hydrostatic pressure against the walls or air infiltration through window wells, these interactions can cause significant damage to your basement and your home.
One of the most effective exterior basement waterproofing methods involves installing a waterproof membrane or regrading the soil. These techniques reduce the moisture that comes in through the foundation and can prevent structural damage.
A concrete wall sealant or waterproof membrane can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed onto your basement’s foundation to protect it from moisture and water infiltration. Preparing the surface before applying this sealant, including cleaning and patching any cracks, is essential. It’s also essential to ensure the basement is dry and debris-free, and you should apply at least two coats.
Waterproofing the Floors
While many homeowners consider basement waterproofing a do-it-yourself project, there are times when you should call in a professional New Jersey basement waterproofing. If you live in a flood-prone area or your home is experiencing flooding issues, it may be time to get professional help.
Damp-proofing involves brushing, rolling, or spraying an asphalt-based material on foundation walls. This technique prevents water infiltration by raising the groundwater table, eliminating hydrostatic pressure pushing against the basement floor and foundation wall joints. It also stops capillary action from pulling water through basement walls and floors.
A prefabricated sheet membrane or liquid-applied membrane can also be used to waterproof basements. These membranes are typically made from modified bitumen, bentonite, thermoplastic, or elastomeric materials. Builders usually install these products. They are available as hot liquid-applied or cold liquid-applied systems that require no special application tools and can be applied to various substrate surfaces.
A drainage system is one of the best ways to resolve flooding problems in a basement. These systems function by dehumidifying the basement, keeping mold and mildew from growing, letting light into dim areas, and offering an escape route in a fire or other emergency. These systems can include weeping tiles, baseboard channels, or French drains installed around the basement’s perimeter.
Installing a Sump Pump
In the basement’s lowest point, sump pumps redirect groundwater away from the house to prevent flooding and water damage. Most sump pumps are activated by a float switch that detects rising water levels in the sump basin and turns on the pump to drain it. Some homes also have a battery backup sump pump that activates during heavy storms when the main pump is deactivated.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, the first step is to dig a hole that’s big enough for your sump basin. Make sure the basin is level with the floor of your basement and that it’s at least 3 feet deep. Cover the bottom of the sump basin with filter fabric, which helps to keep silt from clogging the pump.
The next step is to cut a hole in the wall above your foundation, where you will install the discharge piping (usually 1-1/2″ PVC). Before you drill, check the pump’s instructions to determine the proper pipe size for your specific model.
Once you’ve made the hole, slide in the discharge pipe and connect it to a hose that carries the water outside (to a drainage point, which is often a French drain). Then, seal the inside of the pipe with caulk to ensure it is air-proof and waterproof. Ensure the hose is long enough to clear your home of standing water during heavy storms.
Installing a Vapor Barrier
A basement vapor barrier is essential in controlling water movement and moisture infiltration. It is a layer of plastic that can be placed over floors, walls, and ceilings to prevent the transfer of water vapor from inside the home to the exterior. Vapor barriers are typically made of polyethylene. Choose a barrier at least 6 millimeters thick for maximum effectiveness.
Vapor barriers can be installed in existing homes and new construction. They can be applied to walls and floors and in crawl spaces. For best results, install the vapor barrier right from the start of your project, placing it directly over the floor joists, wall studs, and ceiling joists before you place anything else in the space.
A vapor barrier is placed between cold concrete walls to keep moisture from condensing, saturating the wall, and causing damage to finishes, drywall, insulation, and frame. This moisture can also move through the drywall to the home’s interior and cause mildew and mold problems. A vapor barrier stops the vapor diffusion from the warm, conditioned air of your home to the cold concrete walls of the basement.
Suppose your basement has existing fiberglass batt insulation. In that case, you can install a vapor barrier over it to protect the basement from moisture and cold air while maintaining the R-value of the insulation. You can also install rigid insulation on the basement walls as an alternative to a vapor barrier.
