There are few things in life quite as satisfying as building your own house from the ground up. Whether that means literally pouring the foundation yourself or renovating a derelict property, it’s important to take every measure to future-proof your new home. Waterproofing your foundation and basement is one of the most important steps you can take. Here at Tar Heel Basement Systems, we know what it takes to waterproof a property, and we’re here to demystify the whole process for you!
Your Foundation (and How it Affects Your Waterproofing Options)
If you are building your home from scratch, you can choose what your foundation consists of. Of course, if you are renovating a derelict home, or you’re building up from the foundation of another, you have less control. The foundation of your property, however, affects the waterproofing protections that can be built into a property. The most common foundations are:
Concrete Slab Foundations
Concrete slab foundations are among the most common found in more modern homes because they are tough, easy to waterproof, and relatively cost-effective.
Basement Foundations
Generally no less than eight feet below ground level, basement foundations use concrete slabs and wooden or concrete supports to keep a property steady and structurally sound.
Poured Concrete Foundations
Poured concrete foundations were most common in the 1980s and provide high levels of fire resistance, flexural strength, termite resistance, and durability.
When it comes to waterproofing options, basement foundations are the easiest to waterproof following construction, while waterproofing measures should really be taken mid-construction for the other two.
The Best Waterproofing Solutions
A professional foundation and basement specialist will be able to talk you through the many waterproofing solutions available to you. We at Tar Heel Basement Systems know all about waterproofing products; our staff are highly trained, highly skilled, and enthusiastic. Whether you’re in the process of construction, renovation or you want to add waterproofing to your home with minimal mess, we are here to help. The waterproofing measures we most commonly install are:
- Interior drainage systems
- Sump pumps
- Backup and battery-powered sump pumps
- Vapor barriers
- Dehumidifiers
- Waterproof insulation
These are not the only options that we offer, however. There are a number of less common options for you to consider, and we can always customize your waterproofing solutions to ensure your home is well taken care of.
Waterproofing During vs. After Construction
Waterproofing during construction or renovation work is undoubtedly easier than digging up your foundation and basement after construction. Installing drain systems, dehumidifiers, vapor barriers, and other such solutions can be undertaken at any time, of course, but it is easier to build them into a new construction or add them while undertaking renovations. Likewise, properly grading your yard to aid in the drainage of your home is easiest when it is undertaken during the construction of a home.
If you are looking into renovating a property, however, or you simply want to improve the drainage in the soil around your home this work can be undertaken quickly and effectively by a team with the right experience. All in all, however, it makes sense to implement these solutions during construction when you have the opportunity to do so.
The actual process of installation will differ depending on the state of your property and the mix of measures that are being put in place. If you book a free consultation appointment with the Tar Heel Basement Systems team, we will be able to assess your home, recommend appropriate waterproofing products, and give you a firm idea of the costs and time scales associated with this work. If you are currently renovating or building your home, we will also liaise with your contractors to ensure the process of installation is seamless and does not complicate any other work being done.
We will make waterproofing your home during or after construction a breeze, so don’t hesitate to call us!
