
Richard Greig
Richard joined the Aquatech family in early 2022. He brings over 15 years of experience with him in the foundation repair and waterproofing trade. Learn More About Richard Greig
You need to learn the simple ways to waterproof your basement on a budget. If you could save money and your basement from potential leaks and floods, wouldn’t you do it? Waterproofing your basement doesn’t have to be a costly endeavour that leaves you penniless. With the right methods, you can have your basement sealed from moisture and leaks that can cause structural and even health problems for your household. Having an expert inspect your property is a great way to ensure that you are covering all areas that need to be covered and only those areas so that you don’t end up spending more than you have to. Read on to learn a couple of the ways you can waterproof your basement on a budget.
Stop Water from Reaching Your Foundation
When you’re worried about the rain and melting snow causing leaks in your basement, it’s time to take action and stop water from getting to the base of your home. When water is allowed to collect at the outside foundation of your property, it can eat away at your home’s exterior, causing it to deteriorate. Once this happens, leaks appear, and they can become worse and worse over time. Some people make the mistake of mulching the home’s foundation, which can worsen things. This stops the proper ventilation needed for water to evaporate. You can use two systems to help direct water away from your home: downspouts and gutter systems.
Extend Your Downspouts
If you already have downspouts but are still having problems with excess water, you can have extensions applied to them. It’s recommended that you also install gutter systems if you haven’t done so already. With downspout extensions, you can help move the water away from your property to avoid puddles of water forming around the base of your home. It’s advised that horizontal downspout extensions be between four and six feet.
Fix the Cracks and Holes in Your Foundation
Cracks and holes are known to form in foundations over time. Some are more severe, but even the smallest can pose problems. Any size crack or hole can allow moisture and water to get inside, causing issues for your basement. It’s a good idea to seek foundation repair to have these sealed up properly, especially if you are planning to finish your basement floor.
Waterproof Your Walls with Compounds
When attempting to waterproof your walls with compounds, it’s important that you do it correctly. Certain steps must be taken before waterproofing materials can be applied to walls, such as removing loose material and the white powdery stuff found on most basement walls. It’s a good idea to hire a professional to perform this task for you so that it is done properly. With this method, the pores in your walls are closed up, so that moisture can’t enter your basement.
If you’re looking to have your basement waterproofed within your budget, it’s recommended to consult with a professional. Try using the above tips to see if it helps improve the dryness of your basement.