If you have a basement, you’re probably familiar with the type of damage that water can cause. Pipes leak, walls get moldy, and electrical systems short out. All these issues can be hard to deal with, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing, thankfully there are some things you can do to make sure that your basement stays waterproof for many years to come. Here are three simple ways to waterproof your basement once and for all!
Dig Around
Dig around in your basement. You may have cracks in your foundation or drainage issues. If you find a crack, seal it with caulk and add additional waterproofing to keep water from seeping through. If you encounter issues with drainage, consider installing a sump pump that will help send water back into a pit or other area. Not only can these solutions help cut down on your monthly bill for your basement, but they also make sure that water doesn’t ruin anything there as well! Don’t panic if you’re not comfortable doing these things yourself, some professionals can be hired at an affordable rate.
Check for Cracks
Check for cracks in your foundation. Cracks are usually harder to see on foundations built with stucco, so be sure to check any areas that have already started showing signs of water damage. This step often leads experts to realize they must do more than just waterproof the basements; they’ll also have to replace parts of the foundation. However, if you catch any cracks before they’re too big, you can fill them with epoxy or silicone caulk for a quick fix.
Apply Sealant
Before waterproofing your basement, you need to apply sealant. An essential first step for preventing dampness and leaks into your home. Using a trowel, spread sealant over all areas that are vulnerable to water damage. Sealant creates a protective layer between your wall and foundation, keeping water out of your basement area. Once you’ve applied sealant to all affected areas, allow it time to dry before carrying on with waterproofing methods. The drying process could take several hours; make sure you leave plenty of time between applying sealant and starting waterproofing projects to give it adequate time for drying out.
Apply a Membrane
Membranes are incredibly effective at waterproofing your basement. They’re cheap, easy to install, and long-lasting. There are two basic types of membranes: liquid and sprayed-on. Liquid membranes need to be applied with a brush or roller and sprayed-on membranes should be used by a professional. Regardless, both will create an airtight barrier between your home’s foundation and flood water.
Install a Drainage Mat
The best advice for waterproofing your basement is to install a drainage mat to prevent water from pooling in specific areas of your basement, reducing mold growth and making cleanup easier when flooding does occur. You can buy these mats at any home improvement store or online. They are simple to install and should last for years without needing replacement.
Install a French Drain
If you’re looking for an excellent waterproof solution, experts agree that installing a French drain system is one of your best bets. Using French drains to prevent flooding and basement leaks involves digging up your yard and driveway and running drainage pipes under your foundation. They’re not complicated to install and once in place, they can keep water from seeping into your basement for decades.