How to Waterproof Your Basement: Effective Methods for Waterproofing Basement Walls from Inside

The Waterproof Basement consists of different types of materials and different methods used for preventing water from penetrating the basement of the structure.

Basement waterproofing is a basement that is below the ground and can require the application of sealant materials, the installation of sumps pump drains, weep holes, and many more.

The space of basements is mainly prone to moisture development and wetness. In soil, present water is generating the hydrostatics pressure to be exerted underneath the basement walls, footing, and basement floors.

This pressure can force the water to pass through the cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as decay, mold, and other moisture-related problems.

These types of major problems are created by improper soil, improperly placed gutters, faulty drainage system, improper slope, hydrostatic pressure, condensation, etc so that prevent or fix all problems used to waterproof the basement.

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Types of Waterproof Basement Methods

The following types of methods are used for basement waterproofing,

1. Interior Sealants
2. Exterior basement waterproofing
3. Interior basement waterproofing
4. Foundation crack injections

Interior Sealants                             

In Poured concrete foundations, pipe penetration and cracks are the most common entry points for entering seepage.

This opening can be sealed from the interior phase, so that used epoxy which is a strong adhesive can be pressure injected into the openings, thus penetrating the foundation through to the cut-off and exterior path of the seepage.

Interior sealers are good for preventing the humid atmosphere inside the basement from absorbing into the porous cavity. These sealants are designed to ensure that the atmospheric humidity in the basement stays low.

For waterproofing, your basement floors, and basement walls and also help to prevent interior water drainage used good quality interior sealants.

A proper drainage system can help to avoid water buildup in our basement, moving this water from the footers of the house foundation and out below the basement structure.

A proper drainage system can help to avoid water buildup in your structure and pass easily through the house footers.

Generally, the draining water that has penetrated a basement consists of placing or creating a channel on the perimeter of the basement foundation.

In a French drain system, a PVC Pipe or any other type of drainage system is placed in the newly-made channel. This placing drain is covered up with new cement.

According to Rick Jacobs of Absolute waterproofing solution, a waterproof basement and foundation repair company, states like Michigan have a lot of ground clay, which will hold and absorb water, resulting in the flexibility in basement foundation walls that can cause cracking and leaks.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

This exterior basement waterproofing method is designed for preventing water from causing any major structural damage to the building, using membrane and polymers to coat the exterior basement walls.

The polymer-based products last for the lifetime of the structure and are not affected by the PH of the Soil. Polymer-based waterproofing materials are sprayed directly onto a wall.

Interior Basement Waterproofing

In interior basement waterproofing where condensation is the main source of wetness or moisture there coating is used.

It is more effective in that case moisture is minor. Installing a backwater valve is one of the most effective measures to save your basement.

When dampness or moisture is minor then installing a backwater valve is an effective method in that case this valve saves your basement and foundation.

An interior waterproofing installing a drainage system is a complex solution. Different materials and approaches are used for that.

One of the best solutions is installing a French drain with a sump pump installation, water weeping tiles, drainage membrane, and rubber walls.

This all system is allowing water to effortlessly escape without damaging the walls and other interior item.

Foundation Crack Injections  

A Foundation crack injection is used when poured concrete foundation cracks either from the expansion and contraction of the concrete or settlement of the foundation.

Epoxies crack injections are generally used for structural purposes while hydrophilic or hydrophobic polyurethane injections are used for sealing the cracks.

Read More: Concrete Crack Repair Methods | 5 Concrete Repair Methods

Advantages of Waterproof Basement

Your basements are vulnerable to the damage of water because water can seep or pass through cracks in the foundation and poor cooling and heating effect can cause a buildup of dampness and condensation, so waterproofing of the basement is essential.

The advantages of using basement waterproofing are,

• It gives a better indoor environment.
• It protects the floor basement.
• It prevents basement flooding.
• It gives protection to your sum pump.
• It protects against damage to structural elements.
• Helps to reduce energy costs.

Waterproof Basement Products

Here different types of basement products are described in brief,

Waterproof seal

This system uses a cell mesh that bond with freshly laid concrete which acts as a seal. This arrangement prevents water ingress.

This can be placed rapidly, with no need for blinding concrete, protection, or priming, and can be trafficked immediately after application.

Polymer Modified Bitumen Coating

This coating is having a two-component waterproofing compound system consisting of a powder component and a rubberized bitumen emulsion with additives.

This method is used for pipe penetrations, outer corners and inner corners, wall-floor junctions, and many more.

EPDM Waterproofing Membrane

These EPDM waterproofing membranes are used for basement waterproofing.

Also, it is made from synthetic EPDM Rubber. 

Cementations Coating

This cementation coating resists negative and positive under 100m head in water retaining and below the ground level and it is a modified acrylic, flexible waterproofing Portland cement-based membrane.

New Build Reinforced Concrete

This cement-based waterproofing method is used in basement waterproofing. It is applied on a concrete surface, the active chemical combine with the free lime and moisture present in the capillary tract to form an insoluble crystalline complex.

These crystalline blocks are the minor shrinkage cracks and capillaries in the concrete for preventing further water ingress. 

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