The basement is one of the most ignored but essential parts of many homes. It has a lot of potential. You can transform it into an additional living space, storage area, library, and much more. But before you make any changes to your basement area, it is important to waterproof it.
If you are in St. Charles, waterproofing is a must to safeguard your home from structural damage. Reliable experts such as Ram Jack St. Charles will help you make the right choice. They use professional waterproofing methods to protect your home from extreme environmental elements. If you want to learn more about basement waterproofing, this article can help you.
What Is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing is a process through which homeowners can protect their homes from water damage. It involves various methods such as applying sealants, installing a proper drainage system, using water-resistant materials during construction, and much more. These methods create a barrier between the wall and the moisture, preventing all damage. There are many home improvement and remodeling solutions that generate a significant return on investment, and basement waterproofing is one of them.
There are two types of waterproofing: exterior and interior. For well-rounded protection, experts advise opting for thorough waterproofing both inside and outside. Homeowners must know that exterior waterproofing costs more than interior waterproofing. However, it is also an essential aspect of safeguarding their homes from damage. Let us look at exterior and interior waterproofing in detail.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing
Exterior basement waterproofing is a complex process. It usually involves excavation around the perimeter of the foundation of your home. After this, the foundation is cleaned and dried, and different coatings or membranes are applied to protect it from water damage. For the exterior coating, there are several types of materials used:
- Liquid synthetic membranes: These include polyurethane and rubberized asphalt. They are the easiest to apply. They come in a pre-mixed formula; all you need to do is paint them along the clean foundation wall. These coatings will keep your home safe from water damage for more than 25 years.
- Bentonite Sheet: This is a rolled membrane with clay-based concrete adhesive. The best part about this formula is that the coating expands as it dries, allowing it to fill any gaps or cracks that might be left behind. Bentonite sheets usually last a lifetime, making them a great choice due to their durability.
- Synthetic Sheet: This solution includes membranes such as thermoplastic. The process is a bit lengthy. You need to place the thermoplastic on your foundation wall and melt it. This forms a polymer layer against water and moisture, which offers maximum protection against damage.
Interior Basement Waterproofing
In interior basement waterproofing, you need to first dig a trench on the edges of the basement floor. Then, you have to dig a sump pit to install a sump pump. After the system is fixed, you can seal the basement.
Ensure that the drainage system and sump pump are correctly installed for the maximum impact. Here are a few ways you can waterproof the interior of the basement:
- Applying sealant: This must be added to the interior walls and floor to prevent moisture from seeping in. The method is usually used with other waterproofing methods to offer better protection.
- Digging interior trenches: To do this, you need to break up the existing concrete flooring and dig a trench along the perimeter of the basement. Then, a French drain is installed, which is connected to a sump pump or any other pumping system.
Conclusion
This article discusses some of the ways to waterproof your home. You must remember that waterproofing can be expensive, but its benefits outweigh everything else. Typically, paint waterproofing can cost anywhere from $1 to $6 per square foot, whereas solutions such as bentonite sheets can cost approximately $2 per square foot.
Another way to protect your home from water damage is to upgrade the rain gutter system. The options are endless! For a more sustainable solution, we suggest speaking with a team of experts. They know what needs to be done and how to do it cost-effectively.
