Murphy’s Law tells us that short cuts will soon prove to be long cuts. Meaning if you’re going to do a job, do it right. Basement waterproofing is no exception to the rule. Although you may find may bandage solutions to water problems in your basement. Doing it right the first time is essentially the cost effective answer.
Basement waterproofing is not a do it yourself project. For a proper assessment, it is best to obtaining the opinion if a trained, educated Basement Waterproofing specialists.
Whether you are building new or dealing with water problem the same rules apply. More than 90% of basements leak water from the walls and the joint where the floor and wall meet. Basements rarely leak water up through the floor, although this can happen in some cases.
If the subsurface or ground water level is close to the underside of the basement floor slab, water rises through the slab by capillary action, and you will have a wet basement. If the subsurface or ground water level is higher than the basement floor, water leaks in through the walls and floor, causing standing water in the basement and, at times, dampness in the rooms above.
As concrete cures, it inevitably develops capillaries. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 28 days and then applying a sealant to the concrete. Protect the cement against water seepage; this will also strengthen the concrete. Unfilled cinder blocks and concrete blocks have a hollow core; some have visible holes rather than microscopic pores.
The most effective basement waterproofing technique is to use a sealant on both sides of the block. Be sure the concrete has cured for at least 28 days, making sure to allow 14 days for the mortar in block walls as well. After applying the sealant, let the concrete dry out for at least 3 days before doing any additional exterior waterproofing
One basement waterproofing is using black tar. Using this method of waterproofing for a basement is somewhat questionable. The problem is that it does not hold up very long. It may help to improve your problem for a while, most likely it will only hold up for a few years.
A better choice for basement waterproofing, rubberized membranes. These special membranes when applied to your walls and your floor are initially a liquid that dries quickly into a special membrane. They are easy to do yourself.
Another basement waterproofing methods include using a waterproofing paints. Water proofing paint is the cheapest options. However, it is not one of the better choices. Some people have had good success with this method, well others felt it did not last very long at all.
Expensive yet effective basement waterproofing is to do the exterior foundation drains. This choice is good if you happen to live in an area where it rains a great deal. Most people have found that it is extremely effective.
Each of these methods have pros and cons, however, it is important that you know your options for basement waterproofing. In most cases going cheaper may be helpful for your problem; however, a bigger problem could be lurking and water could start leaking into your basement. This may call for some drastic waterproofing measures.
Water problems can happen at any time, you may never have dealt with water problems before. Then spring comes and all of a sudden, you have a problem. First check that you have a functional sump pump and once you have determined that your sump pump is working and you still have a wet basement, Call a to have your basement assessed for waterproofing Specialist.
Stephan Bevan writes for the Toronto Plumbing contrator: Draincom.com. If you need a free basement waterproofing estimate please give us a call at: 416-989-5757.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive K-12 Education Articles Via RSS!
