3 Types of Basement Waterproofing Systems Explained

The intention of basement waterproofing systems areto prevent water from leaking into the basement of a house, and damaging the foundations and woods. Basement waterproofing systems are needed whenever a basement, cellar or other room is built at ground level or below: they are particularly important where it is likely that ground water will raise the watertable of the surrounding ground. Without proper basement waterproofing systems, the basement can become cracked, and watertable pressure can result in serious damage to walls, as well as encouraging mold and wood rot. Getting the right kind of waterproofing system depends very much upon what kind of environment the house is built in.

1. Interior Sealant

Using interior sealants as basement waterproofing systems is a temporary measure, perhaps used during winter months to prevent snow and frost from raising the water table. These sealants are often found in chemical spray form, and can be directly applied to walls and floors. Interior sealants can also help to prevent humidity and condensation within the basement: these can be absorbed by woods and porous building materials, causing cracks in masonry, damage to concrete, and wood rot. Areas of masonry are also protected against spalling. The most common use of these is to prevent humidity inside the house from affecting the walls of the basement: for more secure measures against ground water, you will need to have either an exterior sealant or a drainage system.

2. Exterior Sealant

Using exterior basement waterproofing systems stops the ground water from getting into the basement walls, and helps to prevent the mold and other damage which can occur with wet basement areas. Waterproofing an exterior is the recognised IBC method used to prevent damage caused by water. Exterior sealants were once only asphalt-based damp proofing, but now the most common kind of exterior basement waterproofing systems use a polymer base. This kind of material will last for the life of the building: other forms of exterior sealant will probably erode in 20 years. You will not usually have to add anything to an exterior sealant, which should be put on during the construction of the house, particularly in areas where flooding, heavy rain, or hurricanes are likely to occur.

3. Water Drainage

While this is not a form of waterproofing, it can be used to help mitigate basement water, and is often considered to be another form of basement waterproofing systems. Water drainage functions by drawing ground and underground water away from the foundation, and forcing it into a drain, or through a pump system. It is possible to buy foundation pump kids which can be installed in DIY form, or by plumbers.

Water drainage basement waterproofing systems often need to be run on an isolated electric system, in case of power shortage, or during periods of storms. Sump pumps should be placed in a pit, and sealed in with a lid in order to keep the water away from the electricity, and to prevent humidity in the pump from entering the atmosphere of the basement. Keeping the lid airtight ensures that there is no likelihood of poisonous gasses seeping out into the house.