Posts Tagged Waterproofing
Waterproofing Techniques for Basement Floors
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on June 11th, 2010
Why is basement floor waterproofing so often overlooked, when if it was done when the basement was built, there would be fewer problems with seepage and flooding? Many people think basements are just concrete storage spaces for things you don’t use very often. Now, people realize the potential of this space for something much more such as extra living space, family rooms and bedrooms.
Water situation was not encountered in the beginning by homeowners, but it later appeared because sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogged with mud.
The soil will become too wet and saturated if water from the roof isn’t directed far away enough from the foundation. As the home settles, walls crack, protective coatings applied to the exterior biodegrades and drainage systems fill up with silt. Leakage in the basement can be caused by all of these problems. Natural pressure from the soil against the foundation will cause flowing ground water to enter through any cracks or crevices in your foundation. The level of pressure is positively correlated with the height of the water level. In turn this water, under increased pressure, seeks entry through cracks and crevices in the walls and floors, and concrete is no match for water pressure. The end results are a water filled crawlspace or basement.
A pressure relief system can eliminate water that leaks into your basement. Whenever there happens to be a power outage due to a rainstorm, it is very likely that the primary pumps will not work, and that may cause somewhat of an inconvenience. Over time this pressure increases until the moisture is literally pushed through the floor or wall (usually called bleeding). Corners and joints that connect the floor and the wall are the most likely candidates for seepage.
If you think that water is comming out of an isolated area, you can lower the water table and the underground hydrostatic pressure by using an easy-to-install sump pump below your floor table. However, concrete is porous and allows water vapor to pass through. Because of moisture it feels even more cold, and rots carpet and other floor coverings. Even the mold starts to grow and basement smeels musty.
One fix for this problem is to use some of the quality sealants now available to the average home owner. It is often possible to paint them with either the roller or spray method. Here are some examples of what a regular project might entail:
- First the floor of the area being worked on must be prepared to make it smooth and remove any excess material
- making sure the basement floor is as dry as possible, hiring large fans or heaters if necessary.
- making sure wall/floor junctions are sealed.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- Priming the floor when the product calls for the use of a primer.
Spread two or three coats which is just right top-coating of the final product.
A high quality product will result in basement floor waterproofing that can last for years and years. Permaflex is one type of sealant that will give a complete and permanent waterproofing for a basement floor. This indoor waterproofing system claims to permanently seal you lower level floor at considerably less cost than other systems.
Make it easier to start waterproofing basement floors, quickly & easily. Lee Walder helps you learn the essential steps and get a problem-free environment with minimal outlay on the waterproofing basement floors website.
How Basement Waterproofing Can Stop Termites
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on June 3rd, 2010
Termites are a menace, and if left unchecked they can do a lot of damage to your home before you even realize that you have an infestation. Once you realize that you have termites there are a number of ways that you can get rid of them, but an ideal solution would be to just avoid getting termites in the first place. If you have a basement in your home then you might have a perfect environment for an infestation to start. However, you also have a great asset in preventing infestations now or in the future. If you have never considered waterproofing your basement before, you may be surprised to learn that it can greatly reduce your chances of having termites in your house.
There are two main things that termites need to begin an infestation. They have to have a humid environment because they require water, and they need to have an access point so that they can get into that humid environment in the first place. Waterproofing can eliminate both of these requirements at the same time.
Reducing Moisture
Obviously, one of the key goals of waterproofing is to prevent water from getting in to your basement. This doesn’t just mean that it takes care of leaks that are coming in around low windows or major cracks, but also smaller amounts of moisture that may be coming in from the ground itself through fine cracks or porous building materials. Waterproofing provides a seal that shuts off moisture from the outside, keeping it from entering your basement at all. This can provide a number of benefits in addition to simply keeping out termites, as it will also greatly reduce the chance of you having mold or mildew problems and it prevents the damage that water can cause to your basement over time.
Many waterproofing experts will also check your drains for any signs of back-up, which can indicate plumbing problems and also introduce a lot of unwanted moisture into the basement. If you have floor drains or any other drains in your basement that tend to back up during heavy rains or at other times, be sure and let them know so that they can check it out while looking for problem areas.
Eliminating Access
In order for you to have a termite infestation, the termites have to be able to get into your house in the first place. This is usually done through small cracks in your basement walls or flooring which provides them with the access that they need. When you waterproof your basement, these cracks will be filled in and the point of access that the termites have will be sealed off completely. This will include making sure that any caulk or other materials that have been applied to existing cracks is still doing its job, and providing an additional layer of protection to better seal any leaks or access points that the waterproofing crew finds.
Other common access points such as vents, windows, and drains will also be checked and treated during the waterproofing process so that unwanted pests will have to find somewhere else to go for an easy meal. After all, it would be a shame to put so much effort into sealing cracks in your basement wall when you have vents that are wide open to the outside world.
Additional Pest Control Considerations
There are other things that you can do to help ensure that your waterproofing is successful in keeping termites and other pests out of your basement. One of the first things that you should do is to make sure that there are not any wood piles or other plant material piled up next to your house; these can be breeding grounds for termites, and if they’re pressed against your house then they can introduce both moisture and opportunity that otherwise wouldn’t have been there. The same goes for decorative plants such as shrubs; make sure that they’re at least a few inches away from your home, especially if planted in front of a vent that would allow access to your basement. Be careful using mulch next to your house, and if possible make sure that it’s no more than two inches deep and limit the direct contact that it has with the house itself. While these may all seem like fairly simple things, you’d be amazed at the difference that they can make when it comes to undue moisture and unwanted pests being introduced to your basement. Your waterproofing professionals may have additional suggestions on how you can avoid termite infestations as well.
Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about issues pertaining to home maintenance including Pest Control | Termite Control
Consider Waterproofing Your Basement
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on June 1st, 2010
Those who own a home that has a subsoil basement should consider waterproofing it. Basements that are wet will spread humidity to all parts of the house causing it to trap in musty air that you will be living in. This is a condition that no one wants to live in or should have to.
While your basement is wet you do not have the ability to use it as extra space for hanging out or even for storing things. When you waterproof your basement you are giving yourself a new investment for your home and making it a healthier place for you and your family to live in. Not to mention that when you go to sell the house this new and improve dry basement will add value to the home than when you first bought it.
Waterproofing your basement is not something that you can jump into lightly. It is a competitive business – which means that you will have extra choices available to you. Learn what is causing your basement to leak and what you will need to do to repair it. Most certified waterproofing dealers will give out free wet basement inspections and will give an estimate on what it will take to fix it.
Those who live parts of the country that will receive heavy downpours will also need someone to waterproof their basements in order to stop leaks. Most dealers will be able to repair these basements professionally.
Over the many years contractors and engineers for basement waterproofing have created several ways to keep basements dry. One of the most common options it to use a concrete water proofer or the other more popular option to use crystalline basement waterproofing.
Other methods will use liquid membrane that is applied to the interior of the space or even a sheeting membrane that s connected to the exterior of the space. A qualified professional contractor will sit down with you and tell you all of the options available to you and the costs of waterproofing.
Having trouble Waterproofing Your Basement? Let DIY Basement Waterproofing Tips teach you the best way you can get it done.
What to Do About Basement Waterproofing Before It’s Too Late
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 16th, 2010
Owning a home with a basement can give us additional living space that is not typically available in a home with a crawl space. Many people put recreational rooms in the basement as well as using them for storage and often as a personal workshop. It may be difficult, however, whenever water in the basement becomes a problem. There are really two different ways in which water can invade this area of our home, both of which will take some form of waterproofing to correct. They can either come in slowly, almost undetected by us or it can quickly invade our basement and cause it to be flooded.
Since the basement is below ground level, moisture is often a problem, even if it is not visible. It may show up as mold or mildew that begins to appear on the walls and although you cannot actually see the moisture that is present, there are plenty of telltale signs that will help to identify the fact that you have a problem.
Doing a little bit of basement waterproofing for this usually means putting a specific type of paint on the walls or perhaps even spraying them down with chemicals so that they are impervious to mold growth. It may also help if you run a basement dehumidifier on a regular basis, even after you have completed the basement waterproofing project.
The other way that water can invade our basement is all at one time which can cause it to be flooded. I have personally had a difficulty with this for many years and it can be destructive, especially if you use the basement for living space or storage. If the water is coming in at one specific location, sealing that location in some way or another may help to cure the problem a little bit.
There may be times, however, whenever more drastic measures need to be taken. If you’re basement floods on a regular basis, you may need to dig down to the bottom of your foundation on the outside of the walls and install a French drain. This will divert any water away from the house so that it does not end up in your basement.
Having a problem with water in your basement is simply keeping you from enjoying part of your house. Although waterproofing your basement is going to take a little bit of work, it will all be well worth the effort whenever you can take this part of your home back again.
You can find out more about Basement Waterproofing as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com
Basement Waterproofing – All You Need To Know!
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 15th, 2010
You may not have already thought about waterproofing your basement. However, it might be a good idea to start thinking about it now. You may not find any problems during the hot summer months, but when the rainy season arrives, you will no doubt start to notice the problems an un-waterproofed basement can bring!
What is Basement Waterproofing and Why Should You Do It?
Basement Waterproofing is not usually needed in newer homes as they are generally pretty well waterproofed already. However, older homes, or homes that were built before the year 1970, tend to have a lot more problems due to the fact that construction in the old days was not as good as it is today!
However, it is not only the construction that could be at fault. Over the years, a water protection system of a house can break down and become less efficient. It is only natural that wear and tear happens over the years and that is why older houses are more at risk. This is when you will notice that your basement is quite wet. If you leave that wet problem alone, it will only become worse, so it is always better to get the problem fixed before a major problem arises.
Why exactly should you fix a wet basement problem? Well, at first the wet problem may just cause a slight odor that you may think is nothing really to worry about and generally it is it not. However, the problem then tends to progress into forming mildew and that quickly damages any furniture or other things that may be in the basement. A damp environment generally decays rather quickly!
Another thing to consider is that asthma sufferers will not be able to go into the affected damp room as it could cause breathing difficulties. Finally, a damp environment attracts pests, so you will not only have an extremely wet, smelly, damaged basement, but you will also have a pretty serious pest problem before long, too!
So it is always better to waterproof your basement and be sure that you eliminate any problems before they get too bad.
The Causes of Wet Basements and What Can Be Done About Them
It is only natural for foundations to leak over time, as no foundation stays waterproof forever. Houses move around over the years and that can cause various cracks and gaps that allow water to come in. Sooner or later, water does tend to find a way indoors and the basement is the first room to feel the effects!
So what are the different methods of basement waterproofing? Well the first thing that should be done, is to go around your basement and try to find any gaps or cracks that may be letting water in. If you find any, fill them in with a waterproof compound. You should be able to find something suitable in your local hardware store.
You can also waterproof the walls by using a waterproof mix, again, bought from a hardware store. However, be aware that the waterproof mixture will not work on painted walls, so any paint needs to be removed before the mixture is applied.
Overall, it all depends upon how bad the leak actually is and how much pressure it is applying to the wall to determine what protection it needs. You may need to call a professional to help you if your best efforts do not come to anything. Generally, though, if done early enough, waterproofing your basement should be fairly easy and it is always better to do it every couple of years in order to ensure that you prevent any further problems from occurring.
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Basement Waterproofing – Are You Ready For The Rain?
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 9th, 2010
Did you know that your home is surrounded by water? Itâs true. When it rains or the snow melts, the soil around your basement retains water and moisture. This moisture retention is not usually a problem until the soil becomes saturated. The excess water will then look for places to go and may end up in your basement. The best material to use when building foundations and basements is concrete. Concrete is used for itâs great strength, but it has very poor waterproofing capabilities. Over the years, concrete walls and footings will crack and these little cracks, sometimes no more than hairlines, can allow moisture to seep into your basement. This is when the excess water in the soil around your house can become a problem. These basement leaks can create all sorts of problems. Standing water can develop unpleasant odours, particularly after the appearance of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can germinate in the smallest amount of moisture and without proper prevention or removal, can cause breathing problems or aggravate allergies. Basement dampness can damage wood floors and wood paneling and cause carpets to rot. In severe cases, your furniture and basement finishing can be damaged from the water leakage. Before you begin waterproofing your basement, you should make sure that you have a proper drainage system. Gutters should be kept clean of leaves and twigs and the base extended to carry water away from the home. The grade of the soil should slope away from the home. If this is not the case, try to adjust the slope of the yard. It this is not possible, you may need to install an in-ground drainage system made of weeping tiles to carry the water away from the basement walls. Remember that if there is a current leak or dampness in your basement, you should perform a careful inspection to find the cause of the leakage. Are there cracks in the walls? Are the foundations of the house weak and need to be reinforced? Any repairs will have to be done before the basement is waterproofed. Otherwise, the problem may come back. If you have an unfinished basement, now is the best time to waterproof it. Carry out any wall repairs before you install drywall to avoid costly water damage repairs. To ensure that your basement is properly waterproofed, retain the services of a professional waterproofing company to ensure that everything is done to code and to avoid potential future problems. Waterproofing a basement is substantial undertaking. In order to apply a coat of waterproofing, your contractor will need to dig about six feet down right next to the basement wall. The waterproofing product must be applied directly to the cement wall. As this require the appropriate equipment and a specific skill set, you should hire a professional to do the job. Not only will he have the experience and expertise necessary, he will also be insured. Your professional will guarantee his work, which considering the extend of the renovation, will give you peace of mind.
Stefan Hyross writes on topics that include renovations and basement waterproofing. For more information about residential foundation repair and related articles, please feel free to visit the website.
What are Basement Waterproofing Systems?
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on April 27th, 2010
What are basement waterproofing systems and how do they work? To answer that question, let’s first look at historically conventional basement waterproofing and how it is supposed to work.
If you imagine how a basement is first built, when the house it is sited in was first conceived, then basically the following happens:
- a big hole in the ground is dug
- the footer or foundations are laid
- the walls of the basement are built
- the rest of the house follows
The important point to note is the first one in the list above – that big hole in the ground. When the walls of the basement are built, there is always a gap left outside the walls which needs to be filled. This void gets filled with loose backfill. The problem here is that water looks for the path of least resistance, and you’ve just given it just that with a huge pile of loose backfill, no matter how well it’s been compacted.
Water will continuously seep into this area. The conventional basement waterproofing provides some form of drainage pipe for this water to drain away, but the problem with this is that often these pipes get silted up. It’s natural enough, the water is bringing all sorts of suspension with it. When these pipes get filled the system overloads and a lot of water pressure gets applied to the outside walls of the basement. So while the walls of the basement may be waterproofed in some way, water, as you probably already know, will usually find a way through the tiniest of gaps.
This type of problem doesn’t usually go away because the pipes that are supposed to take away the excess water gradually worsen over time. Many times there is simply no access to these pipes which is a huge oversight. Basement waterproofing is also applied to the external walls of the basement to try and keep the water out. This is often referred to as a tanked system.
A better basement waterproofing system, such as the drained cavity basement waterproofing system, works by getting rid of the water pressure on the walls. Water is controlled, collected and allowed to flow through hidden drainage channels either to natural drainage or to a sump pump where the water is removed away from the property.
Basement waterproofing systems are reputedly a better system in that they are installed internally, have easy access ports for removing any silt and can be applied to basements where traditional tanking or other methods have failed but with minimal disturbance to the original basement.
So to summarise, a good basement waterproofing system will:
- usually be a permanent or long-term solution
- stop both ways by which water can enter through the walls and up from the floor
- not disturb landscaping, decks, patios, driveways, etc
- usually be an approved waterproofing method for home loans
- often be substantially cheaper than other waterproofing methods
Choose a reputable basement waterproofer when protecting your home, remember it is economically foolish not to waterproof, because the increased value from waterproofing will definitely exceed the cost of the waterproofing. You should look at waterproofing not as an expense but as an investment in the value of your home.
Basement waterproofing systems made easy. Learn what you need to have and what you need to avoid. Start your search by visiting the basement waterproofing systems website.
What is Basement Waterproofing
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on April 23rd, 2010
One of the things that is key to a finished basement is a dry interior. Many have sump pumps and drains to remove excess water from their basements. However the optimum situation is to posses a waterproofed basement.
The waterproofed basement will prevent many of the common issues associated with failed pumps and removal systems. So the question for you is does your house posses a basement that is waterproofed. To answer that question you can do several tests.
The first thing to look for in a waterproofed basement is standing water along the edges of the basement wall and floor. Many times there will be a small spill way that removes the excess water to a sump pump or a drainage line.
If you are lucky and don’t find standing water in you basement area you can perform a simple test to see if your basement waterproofing is up to standards. More than likely you will have a cement block wall that protects your basement area from the soil surrounding it. To see if you have a potential basement waterproofing problem through the wall you should tape a twelve by twelve section of clear cellophane wrap to the wall.
Simply check the cellophane wrap after the next heavy rain. If the wrap shows any signs of moisture you have a basement waterproofing problem. This moisture indicates that the waterproof containment system in your basement is not functioning properly.
This can be for several reasons. The basement waterproofing you have can be composed of one or several of the following items.
You may have a waterproof paint applied to the outside of your concrete block wall. This waterproof paint should have been applied to your wall at the time that your house was built. Many times the color of the basement waterproof substance will be black. This waterproofing is more than likely a petroleum based product. Over this substance you may find a plastic sheeting.
The plastic sheeting is a second barrier designed to keep the water away from the cement block walls. This basement waterproofing method however has only about a ten year lifespan as the material will become brittle and damaged as roots and soil movement attack it. Outside of this the house may posses a french drainage system.
The waterproofing allowed by a french drainage system is absolutely critical if you have a seepage problem through your as built basement waterproofing system. The french drain is typically a corrugated plastic tube with one inch holes drilled around it. This pipe is buried 4-6 foot in the ground in front of your foundation wall. The waterproofing of your basement by this method is more of a diversion of water rather than penetration prevention.
So what are your options if you don’t have one of these systems waterproofing your basement. The market has created several different systems available to you now. You can paint the interior wall of your structure with a waterproofing substance or install a post build french drain. Either of these options are available to you.
Charles Cater writes on many different subjects. Visit his affiliate sites at http://www.affiliatewebsitepromotion.com.
Basement Wall Waterproofing – No More Leaks, No More Condensation!
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on April 22nd, 2010
Are you tired of not being able to use your basement due to excessive dampness? Do you need the help of specialists in basement wall waterproofing? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then you should definitely keep on reading. This article is aimed at providing useful information when it comes to having a wet basement wall.
There are two main problems that could be responsible. A wet basement wall can be caused by an unidentified water leak or excessive humidity. The important thing to understand is that both of these problems are responsible with the presence of mold in your basement. Basement wall waterproofing becomes very essential, especially when you notice that the foundation of the house has been affected by these problems. Water can infiltrate into the foundations on a gradual basis, leading to damage in various parts of the house. You need help now!
Once you have found a company that specializes in basement wall waterproofing, be sure to offer them all the information they need. You should probably start by mentioning the source of the problem. If you donât know where the water is leaking from or you are not able to identify the humidity source, allow them to perform a short inspection. They have the necessary knowledge to discover where such problems occur. Using waterproofing systems and innovative techniques, they can reduce all the sources of dampness, restoring your basement to 100% functional capacity.
Did you know that a wet basement wall can come from a ventilation system that does not function properly? Are you familiar with the term pipe condensation? These are just two examples of the many things that could be given when it comes to potential mold sources. The situation becomes even worse if you have an electrical system installed in the basement. You will definitely need the help of specialists in the basement wall waterproofing, using both exterior and interior draining systems to solve these problems.
The basement is a generous space that can be used for living or storage. However, you are certainly not the first person to suffer from wet basement wall problems. Basements are known for having water leaks and moisture problems. Sometimes, the level of humidity is so high that the walls are filled with condensation. In addition to using special systems to solve moisture problems, these specialists will also identify water leaks and isolate all the pipes that could be responsible. Having a functioning ventilation system helps when it comes to escaping from condensation.
If the source of the water is actually coming from the foundation, then the whole situation is more serious and it requires extreme attention. However, in most cases, the water leaks through the basement walls and the source of the problem appears to be where the floor and the wall connect. The first solution is to seal the walls with special materials but this is only possible if the concrete structure has not been affected. If there are any cracks discovered in the wall, then the specialists might use highly-resistant substances for repair.
Sealing basement walls is the job of a specialist. Sure, you could do it yourself but you risk having the same problems all over again. If you want the job done right, go online today and search for a professional company that specialized in basement wall waterproofing. Take care of your house and enjoy the benefits of having a dry basement.
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Preventive Measures in Basement Waterproofing
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on March 13th, 2010
Your beautiful basement can be prone to excessive moisture. This is understandable due to the fact that the earth surrounding it is mostly damp and dirty. Excessive moisture can cause your basement walls to crack and damage it. Before you renovate your basement, make sure that you have considered basement waterproofing. However, this is aspect in basement renovation may involve technical background.
Basement waterproofing greatly involves the exterior portions of your house. If your surroundings outside of your house are always damp and dirty, and this had been unattended, you might have some trouble in your basement sooner or later. The basic idea is to keep moisture from coming in. This means to always keep your basement walls and floor dry. There are some preventive measures in doing that.
1. Enough Drainage – Have an adequate drainage. Waste flowing out from your sink, usually used water or fluids must be channeled properly. Not only that, if your drainage is sloped enough to get all the waste out to the sewerage system, spills occur. Not only can this cause an undesirable smell, in time it will moist your soil and seeps into the basement walls. Without proper basement waterproofing, you might end up unnecessarily spending to remodel your basement.
2. Downspouts and Gutters – Check the gutters and downspouts. These are drainage systems too. Make sure these are not causing any spills on the soil. Gutters get stuck up by debris. Do a regular check up to ensure that your gutters exterior subsoil is clean and dry. You have no control over the amount of moisture in the soil. Waterproofing your basement is not a guarantee though. So clean surroundings all the time to prevent basement damage.
3. The Climate – Climate and erratic weather conditions are sources of moisture. Another source of moisture that you have no control of. Basement waterproofing can only do so much. If there’s so much rain, it is important to anticipate this in designing the size of your gutters and water canals. When the snow melts, this can pose a huge problem as well. The interiors and exteriors have a relationship. If natural calamities occur, it’s your basement that gets the first hit since it’s directly attached to the latter. All parts in your house are integral to its own functional advantage.
4. Unknown Water Deposits – There may be other water deposits that are close to your house. Inspect that too. While you find the soil dry, moisture can still seep in below. Check the sidewalks. See if there are slopes leading to your house or close to. Adjust it if you find one. You may want to consult a friend who has an experience in basement waterproofing. Otherwise, hire a professional.
Before you get your basement walls and floors finished, know the facts on these things. Poor basement waterproofing causes you to spend more on repairs and even remodeling your entire basement. That wouldn’t be good. If you are planning to remodel your basement soon, or perhaps building a new house, waterproofing budget is a must. Prevention is important. You wouldn’t want your investment on a very beautiful basement go down the drain.
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