Approaches For Maximum Basement Waterproofing

17 February 2023
 Categories: , Blog


Basement moisture is dangerous for multiple reasons. The water can cause structural damage, affect your basement's contents, or trigger mold growth. Waterproof your basement to avoid such complications. Below are basement waterproofing measures to take.

Seal the Basement's Exterior

In this case, you apply waterproofing materials on the exterior basement walls. To expose the exterior walls, you must first dig around the house's foundation. Next, you clean the walls and apply a relevant sealant so that moisture from outside the house does not get into the basement.

While exterior waterproofing is effective, it is not always practical. For example, it might not work for urban homes with little room to maneuver equipment.

Seal the Basement's Interior

A waterproofing sealant on the basement walls and floors prevents water absorption. For maximum effectiveness, strip away paint on the walls, scrub, and clean them. Fill the visible cracks with suitable material, such as epoxy. Lastly, apply a coat of waterproof sealants, such as rubber sealant. Repeat the process every few years for maximum effectiveness.

Install a French Drain

A French drain is a trench you dig around the house's perimeter. The trench should slope towards the lowest point of the lot to allow water to flow by gravity. You then fill the trench with porous materials, such as gravel, lay a pipe on top of the gravel, and cover the piping with more gravel. The drain collects surface water, and the gravel prevents debris from clogging the pipe.

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

Install and maintain gutters to collect roof water and drain them safely away. Loose or damaged gutters and downspouts may drain water near the house's foundation. Such water might permeate the ground and get into the basement.

Ensure the Land Slopes Away

The ground around the house should slope away from the house's foundation. Keep this in mind while designing your home's hardscaping and landscaping. The hardscape and landscape should not block water flow away from the house.

Install a Sump Pump

Install a sump pump in the basement to pump out water that does make it to the basement. Get a professional to size your sump pump to ensure it can handle the expected water volume for your region and home. Connect the pump to a backup battery to operate during blackouts.

A multifaceted approach to basement waterproofing is best; a single measure might not yield the desired result. For more information on basement waterproofing services, contact a company near you.


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