How to Waterproof A Basement and Choose the Best Contractor?

Waterproofing basement walls is one of the most important factors while constructing any building. If there is faulty water proofing, the seepage can actually cause extensive and expensive damage to a property. Here is a quick guide for waterproofing basement walls.

What can we do?

1. Dig out: The entire outer perimeter of the basement should be plowed out all the way till the base or foundation. By this the basement walls can be saved by applying the right products. Drainage roofing, stony or creased stone pipes, holed pipe & other standard structures or supplies shall be fitted at or beneath the zone to be secured and shall be installed by motorized resources into an permitted drainage structure.

2. Cracks: After the entire excavation is done, look for any cracks that may be there and clean up the area to put in hydraulic cement to the walls to prevent seepage. The cement in its curing state will expand with its chemical properties and that will heal the crack and avoid water leaching.

3. Sealing: Applying the sealing properties generally helps in sturdy waterproofing of basement walls. The seals that are cement based are very easy to apply. These sealants are known to stabilize and close out the pores.

4. Choose the correct membrane: A waterproofing membrane is a mandatory product. A weighty covering of the casing, preferably asphalt-modified polyurethane base, should be spurted on to cover the base wall from the outside source of water. Elastomeric membranes are known to be great in waterproofing basement walls. The advantages of elastomeric membranes are their flexibility and ability to move to cover up the new cracks that may appear later on. However, a waterproofing product should only be used here and not a damp-proof substance as both of these products are different functionality-wise.

5. Drainage Mats: A drainage mat with formed depressions should be fitted. This would be creating air gaps amongst the wall and the product which would help the moisture to port up the drain construction. The mat should be of the exact size as of the foundation penetration.

What should we avoid?

We often worry up on the list of things that are required to be done and, in that frenzy, forget or overlook the list of the things that we should not be doing. Let us remember that the ’don’t do’ list is as important as the “do” list.

1. No use of Tar. Tar becomes brittle causing an eventual crack.

2. No use of plastic as it peels off easily.

3. No use of limestone as it is known to reduce the drainage capacity.

Hire the right contractor

Hiring the right person to do the job can be a pretty much of a challenge; however, knowing the right requirements can make the electing process pretty foolproof.

1. Condition: Only a competent contractor should be given work. He should have legitimate rights to work as a waterproofing contractor in construction.

2. Insurance:  The constructor should be fully indemnified. This will in return ensure that a legal marginal is available any point in time if the construction is found faulty.

3. Price: The trick here is not to go to the one offering the cheapest price but the trick here is to get multiple quotes and then decide who the work for waterproofing basement walls should go to.

4. Time: The price, reviews, products may be all set; however, the time taken can be really another crucial deciding factor. A realistic time frame should be set, and work needs to be finished right within that time.

Water can really be detrimental and can rescind any building.  Waterproofing basement walls enables the constructions to be water resistant. Make the right choice and get the best team to ensure that you safeguard your home or your property from water damage.