MORE LOCATIONSHere is the list of innovative ideas to dry and permanent waterproof your basement
A waterproof basement is an important prerequisite for starting a basement finishing project. Check out these 7 practical tips to help you dry and waterproof your basement.
Analyze & Diagnose The Problem
- A quick visual inspection will let you know if you have a water leaking problem in your basement. A hygrometer can measure air moisture levels in your basement. Thus, you can take corrective measures accordingly such as installing ventilation and windows.
To find out if water is leaking from the walls, tape a thin aluminum foil to a wall. After a few days remove the foil and see if the wall surface beneath it is wet. If so, then you have a water leaking problem that needs to be fixed immediately.
Eliminate Excess Moisture & Humidity
- The first step for waterproofing your basement is to inspect pipes and plumbing. If you notice any leaks, be sure to seal them off using foil tape. If you have a bathroom in your basement, install a ventilation fan that can be used to minimize humidity.
Windows can often help reduce internal moisture levels as it allows air to flow. However, keep windows closed during humid weather. If moisture levels still don’t decline, you can use a humidistat fan that turns on automatically if moisture increases beyond a certain level. You can also consider installing an energy-efficient dehumidifier.
Insulate Pipes & Plumbing
- If the pipes and plumbing in your basement are naked and easily accessible, they need to be insulated. Due to condensation, water may form on them and drip.
Pipes can be insulated using plastic or foam insulation that is cheaply available from the market. It can be cut using ordinary scissors. Tape it tightly on the pipe.
Install Wall Insulations
- If you have bare concrete walls, you can apply a waterproof coating on them. This coating will help prevent water from leaking into your basement. Several coating materials are readily available from your local hardware store. If your walls are covered with paint or wallpaper, you must first try to remove them to make the walls bare.
After finishing this step, you can proceed to install wall insulations. These insulations will help prevent water from forming via condensation on your walls. If you insulate your walls without waterproofing them first, you are at the risk of having a mold problem.
Waterproof Your Home’s Foundations
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If there are cracks and holes in your home’s foundations, they need to be fixed immediately. You can use a special type of cement that not only fixes the cracks but also prevents water from passing through.
On the outer side of your home, make sure there is a slope that carries rainwater and melting snow away from the foundations and walls. For added protection, use a 6-mil poly water barrier under your slope and cover it with gravel or soil.
Install Rain Drains
- Most homes use vertical rain drains that carry rainwater and melting snow away from their homes so that it doesn’t seep into the walls and cause structural damages.
A horizontal rain drain can be installed at the base of the main rain drain so that it takes water further away from the foundations.
Use Dimple Floor Mats
- A plastic drainage mat has dimples on its underside that allow air to flow between the mat and the floor.
They provide a barrier of air between the floor and the concrete, thus helping to minimize condensation and water leakage.
Crack-X is a leading civil structures repair company operating in Maine and New Hampshire. Simply give us a call at 877-727-2259 and talk about basement waterproofing with one of our specialists. We will inspect your property and help you permanently waterproof your basement, so you can undertake a basement finishing project with peace of mind.