Does Basement Waterproofing Need to Be Intrusive?

There are several types of waterproofing that you should consider for your home. The protection that this technique gives will be invaluable for its future. Basic basement waterproofing is a tactic that should be employed as the home is being built. From there, it will be helpful to check the status of your waterproofing from time to time.

What Are the Most Common Waterproofing Methods?

When it comes to basement waterproofing, there are several techniques that you can make use of in order to do the job. One of the most basic is applying several coats of sealant to your basement walls and floors. The formula you use should be as strong and cost effective as possible. Even with the best formula, you may notice subsequent issues.

For this reason, most experts tend to recommend against using store bought sealants as your primary weapon against basement leaks. The main issue with these sealants is that they tend to last for a limited period of time. As a result, you will need to check the progress of leakage on a regular basis in order to keep ahead of further decay.

A much better method is known as exterior waterproofing. This is the most effective way to keep your basement free from leakage and water damage. However, it is also a much more expensive and intrusive solution. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good result by making use of it.

The best time to make use of the exterior method is during the construction of the home. This is the time at which basement waterproofing issues will be most acute. At this point, the builder will want to make sure that they use the best possible method of waterproofing. Doing so will prevent issues that arise when the home is occupied.

However, even after the home has been built, you may find it needful to employ exterior waterproofing to your basement. Doing so is the best way to keep this area free from flooding and other issues for the longest amount of time. Despite its greater expense, the results that come from this treatment are usually far superior.

Regular Sealants Can’t Do the Job

Common store bought sealants are meant to be a temporary solution for your basement waterproofing needs. Due to their very nature, they are not meant to last beyond a certain period. This is due to the fact that the adhesive material they contain is gradually worn down. The erosive nature of leaking water will overpower them.

For this reason, sealants are recommended only in situations where you need a quick fix to a relatively minor leakage issue. The true long-term solution will be to adopt a method that offers you a far more reliable method of keeping your basement dry.

Keep in mind that contractors may make use of several methods to secure your basement from water leakage. These may include sealants, vinyl liners, and waterproof coatings.

Basement Waterproofing Doesn’t Need to Be Intrusive

It is true that basement waterproofing is, on balance, more expensive and intrusive than other methods. However, the level of intrusion that you can expect will depend on a number of factors. These include the size, type, age, and condition of your home. It also matters what general condition your basement is currently in.

The intrusive nature of basement waterproofing can be seriously reduced by adopting the exterior method during the building of the home. If you are lucky enough to be in such a position, it can greatly minimize your subsequent waterproofing costs. Even if you are buying an aftermarket home, you can still use this method to secure your basement.

The first step of exterior waterproofing is to dig a trench in the floor of your basement. This newly founded trench will normally be from 4 to 18 inches wide. Once dug, it will extend around the entire perimeter of your basement. As the home is still in the process of construction, this will minimize any perceived intrusiveness.

The contractor that you have hired will then place the drainage pipes into the trench. These pipes are in place to move all collected moisture to a specially selected drainage area. This is known as the sump pit. A nearby sump pump will then move the water from the pit. Its final resting place will be safely outside of your home.

Contact Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions for Info

Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC, is here to be your foremost provider for basement waterproofing and all issues related to the protection of your home. We serve clients in Raleigh, Southern Pines, Fayetteville, and all surrounding areas. Our goal is to provide our clients with the highest and most affordable level of protection from water-related hazards.