Whether you are moving into a home with a finished basement or an unfinished one, you’ll quickly learn there is a myriad of options when it comes to tackling a wet or damp basement. Most of the basement problems are the result of events and not just one thing. It could be a settling basement floor, improper backfilling, wall cracks, shifting foundation walls, or even clogged footer drains. If you’re experiencing persistent moisture problems or have a leaky basement and are wondering how to dry it up, talk to your local contractor.
The longer your basement remains without waterproofing, the more it will deteriorate. So, you need to find and apply a solution that will reverse the effects of moisture. Given that each water problem is unique to a basement, arrange an inspection and find out what waterproofing method works best for your home.
1) Basement Dehumidifiers
Moisture is likely to be the biggest threat to your basement. Left unchecked, it can foster mold growth, warping, peel off wall paint, and attract vermin. Ideally, moisture should not cross the 50% mark. To stop moisture buildup and the problems associated with it, install a dehumidifier in your basement. It will suck moisture from the air, creating a clean and dry space. We strongly recommend you get an energy-efficient unit that also filters the air. If you’re unsure of sizing, talk to your local basement contractor.
2) Sump Pumps
Excess moisture isn’t the only thing that’ll attack your basement. Floodwater and water from leaking pipes can wreak havoc. Any water that enters the basement needs to be collected and redirected to a reliable sump pump where it’s ejected out. Without a sump pump, your basement could flood in minutes. A sump pump works to expel water from the basement, and in so doing, prevent water damage and other problems.
Various sump pump systems are available to match your needs, including reliable SafeDri™ sump pump systems. When you have yours installed, ensure you also get a battery backup system. Most flooding incidents are followed by a power outage. If the lights go off, then your sump pump won’t be of any use. But a trusted backup battery will keep your sump pump working even during power outages.
3) BasementGutter™ System
Surface water can be more than a nuisance when it enters your basement. To prevent it from overflowing into the basement, install an interior drainage system like BasementGutter™. Proper drainage will intercept water and ease its hydrostatic pressure. During installation, your contractor will open up the slab, lay a perforated pipe, backfill the trench with gravel, and then cover with cement. The end result is a clean, water-free basement.
4) Vapor Barriers
If you’ve got leaking brick, stone, or even unsightly water-damaged concrete walls, you know they can be an unpleasant sight. Along with the aforementioned systems, another piece of the puzzle could be extremely beneficial in your basement. Vapor barriers are most used in crawl space encapsulations, but they also have other practical applications. For instance, the thick and durable CrawlSeal™ liner can be placed on basement walls to help direct leaking water down to the BasementGutter™ system, as well as improve the walls’ appearance.
5) Downspouts
Keeping your basement dry also means stopping water that originates from the outside from running through the walls into your home. As well as grading your yard, we strongly advise you to install downspouts. The gutters at the edge of your roof will collect falling rainwater and feed it to the downspouts, where it’s changed away from the perimeter of your home. By arresting external water, you can avoid a flooded basement and possibly thousands of dollars on repairs.
What Waterproofing Solution Should I Apply?
Several waterproofing methods are available. Each with its own purpose. The type of waterproofing system or product you may use depends on the situation of your basement, home construction, and the underlying foundation system. What works for you may not necessarily work for another person. Your local contractor may apply a combination of products and approaches and not just one solution. For instance, if you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, they could use BasementGutter™ and a sump pump. But if your main headache is persistent moisture levels, they can install a dehumidifier and seal up any foundation wall cracks.
Want to waterproof the basement but don’t know where to start? By requesting a free basement waterproofing inspection and quote from our friendly basement experts in Winston-Salem, NC, you will discover what ails your basement as well as the most effective waterproofing method. We offer fast and hassle-free basement waterproofing solutions at affordable prices.
