Basement Floor Waterproofing Methods
If basement floor waterproofing wasn’t overlooked on such a regular basis, then there wouldn’t be as many problems with seepage and flooding when it was finished. A basement can be so much more than just a convenient place for storing junk! Now, people realize the potential of this space for something much more such as extra living space, family rooms and bedrooms.
After many years drains can become plugged with mud and causes water problems to occur.
The soil will become too saturated if water from the roof is not directed away from the foundation. As the home settles, walls crack, protective coatings applied to the exterior biodegrades and drainage systems fill up with silt. A leakage in the basement might result from all these problems. Flowing ground water enters through cracks or other openings in the foundation; moisture in saturated soil enters through solid masonry as well as through cracks and other openings because of the natural pressure the soil exerts against the foundation. A high water level can create a great amount of pressure. In turn this water, under increased pressure, seeks entry through cracks and crevices in the walls and floors, and concrete is no match for water pressure. Without proper preparation, torrential rains could cause flooding in basements or crawlspaces.
A pressure relief system can eliminate water that leaks into your basement. Whenever there happens to be a power outage due to a rainstorm, it is very likely that the primary pumps will not work, and that may cause somewhat of an inconvenience. As pressure increases the floor or wall will be penetrated by moisture. (often called bleeding). Seepage is often found where the wall meets the floor around the corners and joints.
If you think that water is comming out of an isolated area, you can lower the water table and the underground hydrostatic pressure by using an easy-to-install sump pump below your floor table. Water vapor will go right through concrete since it is porous. Because of moisture it feels even more cold, and rots carpet and other floor coverings. Even the mold starts to grow and basement smeels musty.
Using high quality sealants easily found in the marketplace is a good remedy. These can often be painted, rollered or sprayed on.
Here are some examples of what a regular basement floor waterproofing project might entail:
- preparing the floor by removing crumbly or loose material.
- Use large fans and heaters as needed to make sure the basement floor is as dry as it can be.
- You must seal all joints between the walls and floor.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- Find out if it is necessary to use a primer and if it should be, prime the floor as per instructions
- Use 2 to 3 coats as needed to top coat the floor with the final product.
If you waterproof your basement floor with a good product the results should last for a number of years. Permaflex is one type of sealant that will give a complete and permanent waterproofing for a basement floor. Quoted as being the only indoor waterproofing system that completely seals any basement floor permanently, no matter how wet or deteriorated, seems a good easy system that costs a few hundred dollars as opposed to thousands for considerable manual work, pumps and pipes.