In the U.S., the average home has approximately 18% of its space as a basement, and although it’s not exactly a favorite living space for many, it has plenty of advantages. A finished basement can add value to your home, get you additional living space, and provide an excellent opportunity for you to expand your hobbies or even build your career.
However, owning a basement also means constant worries about moisture and how you can prevent or reduce its presence in your house. After all, moist environments are perfect conditions for mold growth. If you don’t take preventive measures, sooner rather than later you will probably end up with a musty and unpleasant basement. Are you looking forward to converting your unfinished basement into a functional living space? Read on to find out how to waterproof your basement so you can help achieve that goal!
What is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing is the process of preventing groundwater and surface water from entering your basement. It is an excellent solution for homes with low-lying or flat lots that are located in areas with high water tables. It can also be used as a solution for fixing a leaking basement. The most common type of basement waterproofing is a sanitary drainage system. This system usually consists of a sump pump, a drainage pipe, and a filter. The sump pump is the central part of this system, which is why many people refer to this kind of basement waterproofing as a sump pump system.
Foundation Repair During Basement Waterproofing
When you’re waterproofing your basement, it’s also a great opportunity to repair any issues with the foundation. The easiest way to do this is to use a concrete sealer. This is a special type of concrete sealer that you apply to your foundation before the waterproofing is applied. Just make sure the sealer you use is meant for damp areas and is compatible with the type of waterproofing you’re using. If you have cracks in your foundation, you can repair them with a concrete mix that includes fiberglass. Mix the fiberglass into the concrete and use it to fill in the cracks. This will help prevent water from being able to seep into your basement from the cracks.
Installing a Drain Pipe
One of the most important aspects of basement waterproofing is installing a drain pipe. This pipe will lead water from the ground outside of your house, preventing it from getting into the basement. You’ll need to select a pipe that is sized appropriately for the amount of water that is expected to run across your property. You’ll want to make sure the pipe is located at least one foot below the surface of the ground and extends past the frost line. If you’re in a very cold area, you may need to extend the pipe even farther below the frost line.
Installing A Vapor Retarder
A vapor retarder is a barrier that is designed to block vapor from entering the basement. This can help prevent some of the issues that can be caused by excessive moisture, such as mold and mildew. Installing a vapor retarder is important for any type of basement waterproofing. It can also be helpful for finished basements, even if they don’t have any water issues. If you’re already waterproofing your basement, you can use a layer of polyethylene plastic to create a vapor retarder. You can also purchase premade vapor retarder sheets if you don’t want to deal with cutting or installing plastic yourself.
Installing A Humidifier/Dehumidifier
If you’re using a sump pump system for waterproofing, you can also install a humidifier or dehumidifier. These devices are installed in the water collection pipe and help regulate the amount of moisture in the system. If you’re using a dehumidifier, you’ll want to make sure you empty the water from the collection system frequently. It’s also a good idea to clean the intake and outlet filters regularly.
Humidifiers don’t use filters, but they do require you to clean them regularly. Make sure to test the humidifier periodically to make sure it’s working correctly. When it comes to addressing moisture issues and ensuring your basement remains dry, consider the use of a dehumidifier in a crawl space. This strategic placement can help maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent moisture-related problems in your basement.
Installing A Drywall Ceiling Protection
One of the best ways to protect your ceiling while waterproofing your basement is to install drywall protection. This is a piece of drywall that you apply to the ceiling above the area where you’re waterproofing. You can either tack it in place or use nails to secure it to the joists. Once the drywall is installed, you can apply adhesive or joint compound to the joint between the drywall and the joists. This will help protect the joists from water damage and make sure the drywall stays in place.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as we enjoyed writing it! Basement waterproofing is an important step towards improving the living environment of your home. With these five simple steps, you can easily and quickly waterproof your basement. Now all you have to do is choose which method best suits you and get started! With a little bit of effort, you can transform your basement into a comfortable and beautiful living space.