Waterproofing your basement can help to prevent moisture seepage, mold growth, and other potential water damage. It may also help your basement avoid that dark and damp atmosphere that so often happens in basement dwellings.
Interior Solutions
There are a few solutions you can turn to if you want to waterproof from the interior. If you notice minor signs of moisture, you can turn to concrete or silicate-based sealers that can be applied to bare foundation walls. When rising groundwater becomes an issue, the edge of the basement floor is jackhammered, removing the concrete. Gravel is then poured into the gap and a basin is placed inside to collect excess water. This basin is connected to a sump pump that drains the water outside, a safe distance from the foundation. For a simpler solution, you can also try acrylic-based waterproofing paint. This paint helps to prevent mildew and mold growth that is caused by moisture.
Exterior Foundation Seal
Applying a polymer-based seal to the exterior foundation can be expensive, for that reason, it is usually done during the construction of a new structure. It is also sometimes done when there is a danger of extreme flooding. For this seal to be done, the ground around the foundation is excavated down to the footings, then any grime is cleaned off, and lastly, the waterproof membrane is applied. Investing in this process while building an exterior foundation can protect your home for up to twenty years. If you live in an environment with high risks of water damage or you are building a home, look into an exterior foundation seal.
Window Well Drainage System
Your basement can be impacted by groundwater and moisture from adjacent soil and outside precipitation. Homeowners often notice when their gutters or downspouts are clogged, stopping water from flowing off their roof into storm drains, but not many notice the threat of their basement windows facing leaks during a storm.
An uncovered window well with no draining system can quickly become a hazard. The seepage that is bound to occur eventually will leave your basement vulnerable to water damage. Window wells with draining systems are much less risky, but like gutters, they can also be clogged up with leaves and debris that prevent them from draining. When this happens, water build up will usually leak into your basement and possible even your foundation.
Window Well Covers
Investing in window well covers will help you to avoid potential catastrophe when it comes to storms. A durable cover will protect your window well and your basement from outside influences, water collection, and keep the moisture content at an appropriate level to reduce the workload of the drainage pump. Covers don’t only protect window wells, but they also protect window frames from moisture damage. A window well cover is the cheapest and simplest solution to protect your basement and foundation from water damage. They are easy to install, have a nice look to them, and the function will protect your investments.
