A basement is a great feature in any home. They are very versatile, as they can be used for extra storage, living space or as a recreation room.
At the same time, basements are very susceptible to problems with moisture. If not prevented, and addressed properly, this moisture can eventually cause mildew, mold and even structural damage.
Waterproofing your basement is a great way to prevent these problems before they develop. In some cases, this may include the integration of a sump pump system.
Below is a description of what basement waterproofing is as well as whether you need a sump pump.
Understanding Basement Waterproofing
Waterproofing a basement is a process taken to prevent water from entering any underground space, including a baseball. There are different techniques you can take to do this, and certain materials that will be needed.
Why Waterproof Your Basement?
Waterproofing your basement is essential to prevent water damage and potential structural problems that could result. The process will also create a healthy and safe living space, since mold and mildew can lead to many respiratory and other health issues.
When you have a dry and safe basement, you’ll also be protecting your home’s resale value. Potential buyers will see that the basement is in good shape, and that they won’t have to invest money and time into waterproofing.
Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing
If you are looking to purchase a new home, or if you’ve already purchased one and aren’t sure whether it needs to be waterproofed, there are some warning signs you can look out for.
One is standing water on the floor that doesn’t have an obvious source. If a pipe from above hasn’t burst, for instance, and you see standing water, it’s very possible that you need to waterproof your basement.
You may also see water seeping through cracks and holes in the walls and floors of your basement, or spalling brick. If all or part of your basement is finished, you should also look for moldy and wet flooring and drywall, efflorescence, condensation on pipes or windows, and rusty water heaters.
Preparing for Basement Waterproofing
Before the basement waterproofing process begins, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure it is properly prepared.
Make Sure the Basement Is Dry
No waterproofing can begin before your basement is completely dry. If there is any standing water, make sure that you soak it up with towels or pump it out if there is too much.
Then, use dehumidifiers and/or fans to dry the air once that’s done so that more moisture doesn’t accumulate on the floor and walls. These are essential steps, as waterproofing products won’t be effective otherwise.
Identify the Moisture Source
As you’re drying the basement, try to identify where the moisture is coming from. Inspect the different parts of your basement for signs of water infiltration.
This could include damp streaks from cracks in the wall or puddles that are located underneath a leaky pipe. You should also look for concrete cracking/mortar joints and movement in the walls — especially in historic restorations — as well as poor site drainage around the exterior of your home.
Sump Pump Integration
Some homes will need sump pumps integrated into the basement waterproofing system.
What Is a Sump Pump?
Sump pumps are devices that essentially move water from one area to another. They are installed as a pit inside your basement to collect any water from inside your basement and then remove it by pumping it outside.
The sump pump will remove the excess water from the lowest point in your home, such as its crawl space or basement.
The great part about a sump pump is that once it’s installed, you won’t have to do anything at all. The system will work automatically to remove the water and pump it away from your home.
Benefits of Sump Pumps
There are many benefits of sump pumps. First, they prevent flooding and water damage by removing the water before it can do any harm. As with anything, it’s always better to prevent damage from occurring rather than trying to fix the problem after it’s happened.
In this way, sump pumps are a cost-effective way to protect your home from water damage. In addition, they provide an extra layer of flood insurance for your home.
If, for instance, a hot water heater that’s located in your basement bursts, the sump pump will work to remove that water from the basement.
Choosing the Right Sump Pump
Like any other appliance or home system, it’s important to consider a few factors when choosing the right sump pump for your home. First, factor in the overall size of your basement, as well as how much water will typically need to be pumped away from your home.
Then, match those details up with information provided by different sump pumps so you can get one with a sufficient horsepower rating for heavy-duty use.
You might also consider having a battery backup pump in place. If there is ever a power outage, this will ensure that the sump pump continues to work, giving you added protection and peace of mind.
Installing a Sump Pump
Once you’ve decided on which sump pump system is right for you, it’s time to install it. You can either have the system professionally installed by an expert or choose to do it yourself.
The DIY option could be more cost-effective. However, it may require certain technical expertise in order to do on your own.
For most people, professional installation is the way to go. Doing so will it ensure a proper seal and connection between the sump pump and the sump basin — two crucial areas for the system to work correctly.
And if anything ever goes wrong with the system, the professionals you hired will be able to help you more effectively and efficiently. In the long run, paying for professional installation may actually be more cost-effective in this regard.
Waterproofing Basement Walls
Even if you install a sump pump system, it’s important to waterproof other areas of the basement, including your basement walls. There are a few steps you can take to do so.
This includes plugging any holes and cracks in the walls with hydraulic cement. Silicone caulk can be used to seal any gaps and joints in the walls.
A waterproof coating can also be applied to create a barrier against water infiltration. Before you apply this coating to the walls, apply some muriatic acid to etch the surface of the concrete. This will ensure that the product works more effectively.
Waterproofing Concrete Floors
When waterproofing your basement, it’s important not to forget about the floors. There are waterproof coatings and sealants that you can use to protect the concrete floor from water damage — much like you would do to exterior concrete and/or pavers.
If there are any gaps and joints in the concrete floor, you can apply a coat of expanding foam to seal everything properly. This will ensure that no water seeps into your basement through the floors.
Maintaining Your Waterproofed Basement
To ensure that your waterproofed basement remains that way, it’s important to conduct regular inspections and maintenance. You always want to be looking for signs of water infiltration or damage so that you can address these issues before they become huge problems.
In addition, there are things you can do on the exterior of your home to direct water away from the foundation. This includes keeping your gutters clean from debris, leaves and dirt — which should be done at least twice a year — as well as extending downspouts to direct rainwater further away from your home.
Some other common issues include poor drainage at your home by installing other drainage systems.
Inside, you should consider re-applying waterproofing products as needed to maintain the integrity of your basement waterproofing system. Simply follow the instructions on the products you use to figure out how often you might need to reapply.
Following all these steps will ensure that your basement remains a dry and safe space for everyone inside your home.
