Foundation waterproofing is an excellent investment for any home in any area! Many contractors agree that moisture is the #1 enemy of foundation concrete and crawl spaces. In turn, waterproofing prevents premature damage while keeping interior spaces dry and comfortable.
If it’s time for waterproofing on your property, you have a few options to consider. To help you make the best choice, check out some pros and cons of those options. Then, discuss any questions you still have with a foundation waterproofing contractor near you! Visit company website for more information.
How Do You Waterproof Basement Walls?
Store-bought materials provide a quick and simple solution for basement waterproofing. Typically, a homeowner applies these materials with standard paint rollers. They fill in tiny cracks and then dry into a tough, thick coating that repels moisture. Some coatings even have colors or tints, for a bit of style and personality!
To ensure maximum effectiveness, consider a few steps to take before applying that coating. First, ensure walls and floors are clean and dry. Second, fill in deep cracks or holes with hydraulic cement. Third, add caulk around windows and other openings as needed.
Additionally, some sealers might flake when applied over existing paint. In turn, you might need to remove paint, sealants, and other coatings before applying waterproofing.
Also, ensure you’ve addressed water leaks and other risks for future damage. These issues might include plumbing leaks, damaged basement windows, or poor ventilation. In some cases, you might even consider a sump pump installation, to protect against flooding and standing water.
Lastly, ensure you check the material’s label and note when it needs reapplication. Higher-quality coatings might last several years while others might need reapplication each year.
How Can I Waterproof My Whole House Foundation?
Homeowners should leave whole house foundation waterproofing to an experienced contractor. One reason is that the job requires expertise for it to get done right! Two, contractors have the tools needed for excavation and other steps in the process. Three, a contractor is typically insured against damage and guarantees their work.
With that in mind, consider how a contractor might waterproof a whole house foundation. Then, you can call a foundation repair expert near you as needed.
- A contractor will typically start by excavating around the entire foundation. Unfortunately, this often includes digging up landscaping and other features, to create a usable trench.
- Next, your contractor will typically patch holes and leaks in foundation concrete as needed.
- Then, a contractor will usually apply membranes or waterproof coatings over or under the foundation. These membranes work like waterproof sealants used inside a home, repelling moisture.
- Afterwards, the waterproofing team might replace weeping tiles. These are pipes running along the foundation, meant to trap and redirect moisture in the soil. Damaged pipes allow water to seep into the foundation concrete, so a contractor should replace them accordingly.
- In some cases, your contractor might suggest adding a French drain system or sump pump during this process. French drains are also pipes installed underground, directing moisture away from the home. Sump pumps trap water in a pit and then pump it to a desired spot.
Lastly, your contractor closes the excavated areas. This process should direct moisture away from the home and repel any moisture surrounding it as well.
Should You Waterproof Your Foundation?
There are many reasons to waterproof a foundation, even if you don’t notice moisture seeping into the space. Check out a few of those reasons here so you know the right option for your property:
- Waterproofing protects concrete from cracks and spalling, keeping it dry and strong over the years.
- Keeping moisture away from foundations also means keeping interior spaces dry. In turn, you reduce the risk of moldy walls, mildewed carpeting, and rusted appliances.
- Dry interior spaces are also safer for storage! Without waterproofing, you might soon see items in basements or other spaces damaged beyond repair.
- Dampness in a home can attract insects and rodents. Not only are these creatures unpleasant but they risk costly damage. Rodents chew through wires and insulation while termites and carpenter ants can damage drywall and wood materials.
- Moisture damage allows a home to sink and settle, risking severe secondary damage. This includes wall cracks, damaged ceilings, damaged exterior walls, and buckled floors.
- In many cases, waterproofing increases home values. You might see a return of 30% your basement waterproofing costs in terms of increased property values.
- Basement waterproofing allows you to safely finish the room. In turn, you can increase your living space or even create a rental apartment!
Lastly, note that waterproofing is almost always less expensive than foundation repair! Not only does the process offer all these advantages but it also means avoiding costly damage to your property over the years.
How Do You Keep Water From Coming Through Concrete Walls?
There are two ways to keep water from coming through concrete walls in your home. First, seal cracks with a polyurethane foam. Two, coat the walls with a waterproof sealant or other coating.
To close cracks in concrete walls, use a polyurethane foam, available at any hardware store. Ensure the crack is wide enough for the foam to work. Also, clean and dry the crack before injecting the foam.
Once you do use the foam, allow adequate time for it to dry before applying paint or other coatings. Additionally, check the manufacturer’s directions for needed sanding or reapplication over time.
For more efficient waterproofing, use a waterproof sealant or other coating, as said. These apply like paint or thin slurries. The coating seeps into small cracks and hardens and dries. Once dry, that coating keeps out water.
If these solutions don’t work for your property, contact a waterproofing contractor. He or she might note if your property needs exterior waterproofing or a French drain installation. Also, a waterproofing contractor might recommend better property grading, to keep moisture away from a home’s foundation. Dehumidifiers inside the home and better ventilation also keep moisture away from basement walls and floors, keeping them dry over the years.
