5 Techniques for Effective Basement Waterproofing

​Basement waterproofing is vital when renovating or finishing your basement. Almost every basement is prone to water damage, including mold growth. Waterproofing the basement seals and protects it from water damage. This blog post lists 5 techniques for effectively waterproofing your basement.

​1. Exterior Waterproofing

Water infiltration is the primary reason for waterproofing the basement. This happens when water seeps into the basement via the foundation walls. Waterproofing the basement exterior involves excavating the foundation exterior to apply a waterproof membrane or coating to the walls on the outside. This basement waterproofing technique prevents water damage while preserving the building’s structural integrity. Nevertheless, its installation can be disruptive and expensive since it involves excavation. Also, you may do some repairs and landscaping after waterproofing the basement.

2. Interior Sealant

Applying a quality interior sealant is also an effective technique for effective basement waterproofing. It involves applying the sealant to the basement floors and walls on the inner side. Water enters the basement via gaps, cracks, and porous concrete, especially where there’s poor drainage or high groundwater. Eventually, your basement can experience water damage, including mildew growth and low structural integrity. A quality interior sealant creates a waterproof barrier that prevents water from getting through. This barrier prevents water seepage via the concrete. Nevertheless, this method works for minor damage since it doesn’t address the problem from the source.

3. Crack Injections

​Crack injections are a technique for fixing foundation wall cracks from the inside. It doesn’t involve excavating the ground around the building’s foundation. It entails injecting epoxy or liquid polyurethane into the cracks to create and harden a waterproofing barrier. That way, you prevent water from penetrating the foundation walls. People use this method for minor cracks that don’t threaten the building’s structural integrity. An expert can complete this technique quickly without disrupting your routine. Nevertheless, injections or crack fillers don’t address the underlying problem, meaning you may require more waterproofing measures. Also, it is unsuitable for more severe or larger cracks that require extensive repairs.

4. Interior Waterproofing

​Interior waterproofing becomes necessary when wetness arises from condensation. This technique directs water that may enter your basement via the floor or walls into a drainage system. From there, you can pump out the water from the basement using a sump pump. Typically, you can install a drainage pipe beneath the basement floor, sloping downward to the sump pump. You install the sump pump in a pit and at the lowest part of your basement. This pump turns on automatically when the water level reaches a specific point. It pumps water away from and out of the foundation.

5. Grading Away the Soil ​

The soil around the foundation perimeter can be the reason for water damage to the basement. Therefore, sloping the soil away from the building can prevent rainwater from collecting against your foundation walls. This method is straightforward, involving digging and creating a slope of at least 5% extending downward, away from the walls. Please ensure the slope’s extension is about 10 feet to prevent water from flowing back to the building.
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Basements are vital to modern homes because they provide additional storage and living space. Others are utility areas. Try one of these methods to keep water out of your basement if you notice water seepage. Alternatively, hire experts to inspect and waterproof your basement.