Anyone who has a leaky basement has only one thing on his mind: how to plug the leaks and keep the basement water-free. There is an array of products that are available on the market for waterproofing purposes. These products can be used as do it yourself tools, but some require meticulous installation by someone who is knowledgeable in the area of waterproofing. Some items can be bought off the shelf at hardware stores, while others might need to be ordered, depending on the scale of project. The focus here, however, is concentrated on DIY basement waterproofing materials. You can learn why basement waterproofing is essential by reading the information below.
Do It Yourself Waterproofing Material Options
Acrylic coatings
Acrylic coatings, such as Tuffcrete, can be used on the walls and floor of the basement, plus the walls of the foundations where such foundations are found above the ground. The coating is applied onto the surfaces through painting or alternatively being sprayed onto it.
This acrylic coating builds an impermeable surface around the surface of application. It effectively prevents moisture content from flowing through the walls and into the basement. The seepage of water through the walls is stopped. This paint coating is easily available from a hardware store near you. Its application is just like any other paint. You don’t have to be a professional to do it.
Liquid Tubber
Liquid rubber coating and sealants, such as Drylock, come in handy when applied onto the basement surfaces. This type of sealant can be applied on inner and outer surface and also for low grade and high grade. It is ideal for waterproofing homes that are frequently prone to flooding, or wet, damp conditions.
These sealants are more advocated for as they perform dual functions of preventing the water from seeping through, and also seals any cracks that might manifest themselves on these walls. Application is done normally, just like you would with any paint. Good ventilation is advised when applying these sealants, as they have a strong odor that can have a nauseating effect if not enough fresh air is around.
Drainage Systems
An interior drainage system is recommended as well. This is much easier to install than exterior drainage when a house is already built. This system is instrumental in capturing seepage within walls before it reaches the surface in cases where blocks were used for construction. It involves drilling holes in the blocks and connecting the holes to a drainage pipe at the floor of the basement at the point at which the basement wall meets the floor as this is also the most common area in which seepage occurs in which a waterproofing company or a company specializing in residential landscaping will accomplish this task. A trench is dug on the floor and a drainage pipe is installed that collects all water directing it to one central collection point, which can be emptied with a suction pump. When water collects in this sump pit, a sump pump is used to pump out the water that has collected. This pump can be automatic or manually installed.
Pipe penetration kits are another type of material that can be used to stop basement seepage. They create a seal around the point for entry of water and gas pipes, which is a common point of entry of water into basements. Applied onto the specific entry points, a gasket is formed around them and further seepage is eliminated.
