Wet Basement Waterproofing
The type of basement waterproofing method will largely depend on the current and available problems. The person should not limit the project to the allowable budget but try to extend his resources to afford the big renovations to prevent further damage to the house. Many homeowners learn the lesson the hard way by saving up on the needed expenses and then facing the bigger complications and damage to the home later on which will also be costlier without any alternate options. Here are some tips for wet basement waterproofing.
Finding the Right Method and Material
There are traditional foundation repair systems and approaches that have been very effective in keeping people’s basements dry for years. However, modern technology has also allowed people to enjoy new setups and more efficient devices that will get rid of water and prevent moisture from developing in the area in the next few years. Many of the new items are affordable and require very minimal maintenance. Getting a full assessment of the space for wet basement waterproofing and identifying the present problems will point out the right materials needed. A professional wet basement waterproofing contractor can also help identify the needed repairs such as installing a sump drain or pit, installing a more powerful pump, sloping the basement floor or outdoor soil properly or installing a drain in the basement floor. Current attachments and components in the basement like the wall-floor joint and vents will also be evaluated.
Rules About Cracks
When cracks are evident, these mean that the damage extends from inside the basement up to the outer walls. Some cracks are very small, while others become entry points for water to seep into the area and cause puddles and floods. Some of the smallest cracks can be sealed using epoxy or silicone injections. The bigger cracks will require polyurethane, bonding cement or other strong adhesives that will fill in the holes several inches within. These agents will expand when coming into contact with moisture and can reach the outermost part of the wall. Cracks that are hard to distinguish and discern will have to be emptied out first using tubes or plugs. These can also be set by chipping a dovetail groove before applying the concrete or bonding cement when doing wet basement waterproofing.
Providing Support or Removing Pressure
If soil, air and water from the surrounding area are taking a toll on the basement walls, leading to bows, cracks and misalignment’s, the homeowner has the option of either providing supports to prevent further bowing or to remove the pressure from the outside. If the homeowner chooses foundation repair from the outside, the soil has to be dug up. The cracks outside can now be fixed because these are exposed. Some of the soil and backfill will be adjusted and a French drain can be installed. If the person intends to fix from the inside, the waterproofing basement activity will involve the installation of braces and support beams to keep the wall from falling inward. This is a cheaper wet basement waterproofing alternative but outer fixes will still have to be made later on.
