Discuss Waterproofing Methods With A Contractor To Find A Way To Keep Your Basement Dry

Whether your basement gets wet frequently or just once in a while, you may be looking for a waterproofing solution to keep your basement dry. You might want a dry basement so you can renovate it into a family room complete with electronics and furniture, or you may just want the space dry to eliminate musty odors and insect pests. Here are some options to consider.

Block Water And Moisture

One method of waterproofing involves blocking the flow of water through a concrete floor and walls. This might be done by injecting epoxy in foundation cracks or covering the interior walls and floor with a waterproof coating.

Another way to block water from being forced through the concrete by hydrostatic pressure is to have a waterproof barrier or coating applied to the outside of the basement walls. This involves digging away the soil so the walls are exposed all the way down to the footings of the house.

Direct Water Toward A Pit

Water can also be directed away from your house so it doesn't have a chance to get inside your basement. This can be done by digging a French drain next to your exterior walls. This involves digging a trench deeper than your house so a drain can be put in the ground. When water flows toward your house, the water falls in the drain and is carried to the street or other safe location where it can't damage your basement.

A similar drain system can be installed inside your house too. In this case, the drains are buried under your foundation. This requires busting up the concrete floor and putting in a drain that catches water and moves it toward a pit in the floor where a sump pump can force the water out of your house before it can flood your basement.

Fix Problems That Let Water In

The waterproofing contractor might also take a look at your property to correct problems that lead to water flowing toward your basement and getting inside. Improper landscaping, leaking gutters, and gaps around basement windows can all contribute to a wet basement and should be corrected so your basement stays dry.

Consider the severity of your problem, the reason you want your basement to be dry, and your budget when choosing the right waterproofing method. If you'll put flooring, furniture, and electronics in the basement, you want a method that won't fail and that keeps your basement dry even during a heavy rain.