Basement waterproofing should be top on your list when you plan for home improvement. Basement flooding is a common issue and it can severely affect the usability of a large space. Water-related issues will be common if there are tiny trickles in basement walls.
Many homeowners delay basement waterproofing because they believe it is not a huge structural issue. Do not be one of those property owners if you wish to save money. Contact a waterproofing solution provider in Seattle immediately to prevent water from seeping into your home.
Professional waterproofing solution providers follow various methods to keep basements dry and clean. You should know the major causes of basement moisture to deal with this issue efficiently. Learn the best basement waterproofing methods to ensure the service provider is addressing the issue properly.
What are the Major Causes of Basement Moisture?
Keeping the basement dry won’t be a daunting task if you know what causes moisture in that part of the structure! Water gets easily inside unprotected structures. Basements are below ground level and the ground is often moist. Therefore, it moves toward basement walls and gets inside the wall to cause moisture.
Your basement may seem moist due to the following reasons:
- Poorly designed drainage system and improper soil!
Are there tiny puddles around your house? Does rainwater stay around your property? Such tiny puddles can help water get into your house through basement walls. It requires a proper drainage system to get rainwater and groundwater away from the house.
You should check the area around your house. If it is sloped towards the foundation of your home, the basement will get moist. You have to ensure that water flows away from your property so the soil remains dry!
- Hydrostatic pressure
If water is accumulating around your house, it will create hydrostatic pressure. The water will get into the ground due to gravitational pull. If the foundation and basement walls are not secure, the water will escape into your house. Tiny cracks provide an easy escape to groundwater. It makes basement walls wet and triggers mould and mildew growth in the basement.
- Damaged or non-functioning gutters
Proper functioning of the gutter system is extremely important to keep filthy water out of the house. If the drainage system in your house is damaged or not functioning, water will accumulate inside your property. Clogged water can drain into the foundation and cause moisture in the basement.
- Condensation
Most basements are damp due to condensation. It occurs when hot air gets trapped inside the basement, where cold air draws moisture and causes wetness. You should maintain proper airflow to prevent condensation and keep the basement dry!
- Cracked floor and walls
Search for cracks around windows, doors, walls, and the floor. Water from the surrounding ground will pass through those cracks and make the basement damp. If you find cracks around the foundation, mark them. Waterproofing services always search for such imperfections to ensure they know the root cause of the issue.
Best Ways to Waterproof the Basement
Waterproofing experts in Washington follow three methods to prevent leaks in the basement. One solution does not fit for all and the method majorly depends on the root cause of the issue.
The service provider will look for the source of the issue, the type of foundation, and the location of your property. The expert may choose one of the following 3 basement waterproofing methods to keep your basement dry!
Exterior waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing is the best way of keeping groundwater and rainwater out of the basement. It requires the use of membranes and polymers to create a protective layer on exterior walls. Experts also install a trench drain to prevent water leaks in the foundation.
If you carry out exterior waterproofing flawlessly, it can significantly reduce the risk of water leaks in the basement. Exterior drainage is pretty effective and many experts recommend this solution.
This waterproofing method requires excavating the ground around the basement. It is a time-consuming process and it can significantly increase the repair cost. You can avoid such expenses if you implement exterior waterproofing solutions while renovating or building your house!
Interior waterproofing
Interior waterproofing is the best solution for homeowners who seek a more cost-effective solution to the problem. Waterproofing services in Seattle, WA recommend this method when homeowners seek a less disruptive solution.
This method requires digging a trench around the basement floor. Experts refer to that as a French drain and they install a drain and sump pump to take accumulating water out of the basement. You can hide the drainage channel to make the basement look cleaner. This drain system can catch leaking water and take it out to prevent dampness in the basement.
Epoxy injections and sealants
Epoxy injections and sealants work like a band-aid fix for the damp basement issue. It is the most affordable solution. You should try it only when you want to delay the waterproofing solution.
Epoxy injections are masonry waterproofing products. You have to find cracks in basement walls to apply sealants and epoxy. It will require the removal of paint so that the sealant can seal the crack properly.
It is not a permanent fix for the problem! It can work better if you keep drains clean and prevent water from accumulating around the foundation. Thus, the soil around the basement walls won’t get wet and water won’t leak inside the basement.
Hire Seasoned Waterproofing Solution Providers to Protect your Property!
Find the most reputed service provider for basement waterproofing in Seattle. Contact the agency to get an estimate on how much basement waterproofing may cost. Apply sealants as a DIY waterproofing solution, but do not delay the basement repair work.
If your basement is dry and well-maintained, it will increase your property’s value. Besides, the risk of health issues will be pretty low. You can maintain a fresh environment in the basement and use this area properly.
So, pick the best basement waterproofing method to prevent dampness in the basement. Use a dehumidifier to prevent a moist environment in the basement. There won’t be mold and mildew growth in your house and it will look more attractive!