Basement Waterproofing Ideas
One of the most frequent complaints from homeowners are wet basements. This is because it is estimated that over 60% of homes with basements have high moisture levels which can lead to mold and fungus. It is important to get moisture issues resolved as quickly as possible because once the mold and fungus takes hold you have a huge, expensive problem on your hands. Therefore, before you can go ahead and get started with any of your basement ideas and great ways to remodel the space, you need to figure out how to get the moisture under control and keep things dry.
The first step to basement waterproofing is prevention.
- Keep the footer drains outside, free from silt, leaves and tree roots so water drains properly and does not build up and flow towards the house.
- Keep the rain gutters clean and working properly, so the water flows down to the proper drain and not over the gutter edges.
- Keep the soil around your house has a slight sloap /grade away from the foundation so the water runs away from the house.
- Patch cracks in your driveway.
- Check pipes around your house to make sure they are not leaking.
- Lastly use waterproofing sealant as part of a building or remodeling process
Even if you take preventative basement waterproofing steps, you may still find that you get leaks. Should this happen here are a few basic tools and supplies you should have on hand:
- Waterproof masonry paint used to seal interior of foundation walls
- Hydraulic cement used to seal cracks and holes
- Bucket used to mix hydraulic cement
- Paintbrush to apply waterproof masonry paint
- Putty knife to mix and apply hydraulic cement