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Defining Efficient Basement Waterproofing Systems

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What are basement waterproofing systems and how do they work? Let’s take a look at the time and tested waterproofing of basement and how it works.

If you imagine how a basement is first built, when the house it is sited in was first conceived, then basically the following happens:

A big hole in the ground is dug, the footer or foundations are laid, the walls of the basement are built and then the rest of the house follows. From this list the most vital point is the top one – the vast crater dug in the earth. The construction of basement walls invariably leaves a void on the exterior which requires backfilling. Loose backfill is used to fill in the gap. The problem here is that water looks for the path of least resistance, and you’ve just given it just that with a huge pile of loose backfill, no matter how well it’s been compacted.

Water will continuously seep into this area. The conventional basement waterproofing  provides some form of drainage pipe for this water to drain away, but the problem with this is that often these pipes get silted up. As the water comes it brings all sorts of suspension with it and that is to be expected as it is natural. The system can overload if the pipes get over-filled and then the pressure of the built up water would be concentrated on the outer basement walls. If there are crevices in the walls, water will push through even if the basement walls are waterproofed.
 
This type of problem doesn’t usually go away because the pipes that are supposed to take away the excess water gradually worsen over time. Many times there is simply no access to these pipes which is a huge oversight. Basement waterproofing is also applied to the external walls of the basement to try and keep the water out. Usually this is called a tanked system.

If you want to find out if you have water inside the concrete block of your walls simply tap a hole into the concrete block, near the floor, and see if you have water coming out of this block then you may want to consider a drained cavity waterproofing system this system drains the water from your walls, much the same way you just did, by adding drain holes in the bottom blocks that allows those areas to drain into a type of interior french drain system. Water is controlled, collected and allowed to flow through hidden drainage channels either to natural drainage or to a sump pump where the water is removed away from the property.

Basement waterproofing systems are superior because they are installed internaly, have easy access ports for removing silt, and can be installed in basements where other methods have failed.

You want to be sure to choose a reliable waterproofer for your home, keep in mind that it will greatly increase the value by far more than what you initally paid. You should look at waterproofing not as an expense but as an investment in the value of your home.

So there you have it, making it easier to start using basement waterproofing systems, quickly & easily for the basics and to ensure that you have a hassle free and cheap experience.

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Renovating The Basement Concrete Walls- Handy Advice To Make The Project Run Smoothly

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Waterproofing basement walls can be done in a number of ways, mostly dealing with the inside and outside of the wall. During construction is the best time to make sure your basement is waterproof as a waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation. Reasons for leaks and seepage through your basement walls include poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home. However with some work you can waterproof your basement walls. Always make sure you have the correct socket wrench set available. Your socket wrench sets can be used for a variety of situations. If you need help choosing a socket wrench set then find information online that can help you.

Any hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in them should be identified. Larger holes must be filled with mortar before they can be waterproofed but just a waterproof mix needs to be applied to smaller holes and cracks. Chisel out a dovetail when filling in larger holes as this will allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. An average mortar is one part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix.

Use an ordinary trowel when applying mortar and check there are no air holes or pockets. If the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water and before applying the mortar, use a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles which will help it adhere. This may only be temporary or permanent depending on the nature of the water flow. Repair any leaking floor joints in much the same way as the larger holes in the wall.

To help it adhere, chisel out a dovetail joint and provide strength and drainage by inclining the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall. After repairing the wall we are ready to apply the waterproof mixture. The mixture does not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall either so remove any paint and mist the wall before applying it. Take care when reading the manufacturer’s instructions since epoxy and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require you to add some water, or, an alternative would be to use your own mix of plain cement and water which should have the consistency of cream when mixed to a slurry. The mixture should be applied at the bottom of the wall with a stiff brush and spread by moving up in a right to left direction.

Every nook and cranny should be filled in. Once the wall has dried, wet the wall down thoroughly again and, in the same manner as the first coat was applied, apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture. Always use two coats, as one coat will not do the job and may result in you having to start over again. You will find waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it first appeared if you use this information. Ultimately, the dry basement you have been wanting for quite some time will be ready.

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