Did you know that your basement is much more susceptible to water seepage because it is underground? Water seepage can occur due to upward insecurity in the substructure. Moisture can accumulate slowly and cause considerable damage in basements. Leaky basement water pipes or ducts, cracks in walls, old drafty windows, and condensation due to low temperatures or poor lighting can all allow moisture to enter your home.
No one wants to deal with water damage. Water damage can cost anywhere between $1,143 and $4,422 to repair and clean up. The best solution is prevention. That is why Basement Builders has put together this comprehensive guide on basement waterproofing to keep it safe.
Look at our recent renovation projects too to see the kind of work we do on unfinished basements. All our basement developments are structurally sound, safe, and curated to prevent basement water damage.
What is Basement Waterproofing?
Waterproofing refers to the treatment of your basement structure to stop moisture or seepage from entering. Water usually starts at the lowest point of the structure, often in the basement. Poor drainage and water from the rain can lead to water seeping through your basement walls.
What Are the Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing?
Water issues can cause expensive damage that can be a hassle to fix, so it's important to look out for signs before it's too late.
1. Wet Basement Walls
A wet basement is the start of all troubles. If you live in an area with a high water table or that is prone to heavy rain, it's important to waterproof your basement. Water stains are a clear sign that your basement is getting wet. If it happened once, it's likely to occur again.
Another sign is basement flooding. It doesn't have to be large flooding, sometimes it can be as little as small puddles on the basement floor. These puddles, or any amount of water seepage can damage stored belongings in the basement, as well as cause other problems. Humid air is also a sign of excess moisture, and any moisture is bad for your basement.
2. Mould or Mildew
Visible mould is a good reason that you need basement waterproofing. Mould is very common and dangerous. If left untreated, it can cause respiratory problems and other health issues that can get serious. Bear in that not all mould is visible, it could be hidden inside your walls.
Sometimes, there are other signs of mould, like a musty odour in your basement. Not only is it a very unpleasant smell, but it can cause the same issues as visible mould. If you have mould in your basement, it's best to start waterproofing.
3. Bowed Walls
The structural integrity of your basement depends on the soil that surrounds it. After rainfall, the soil might absorb moisture, swelling and contracting, leading the basement walls to bow because of excessive pressure. Bowed walls are bad for your structural integrity and require immediate fixing. While they're easy to identify, you can do so by checking the wall alignment of your walls after rain.
If you fail to notice the bowed walls for too long, it may lead to foundation cracks affecting your walls and floor. That is why, we advise checking for bowed walls regularly and basement waterproofing as soon as you can.
4. Chalky Walls
If you've walked to your basement to find white streaks, it means your walls have been wet recently. Water evaporates off concrete walls but it leaves behind salt and other minerals on the wall, resulting in those chalky streaks. It's time for basement waterproofing if you see chalky walls.
5. Pest Infestations
Having a few insects here and there in your basement is normal. However, if there are more than just a few, it may be a sign of a wet basement. Insects love damp and dark areas, so a damp basement would be their ideal environment to live in. Termites, spiders, and cockroaches are some of the insects you may find in a wet basement, and they can cause health and safety issues if you let them overstay. If you're afraid of having annoying pests inside your basement, get started with basement waterproofing.
Why is Your Basement Humid?
We need to understand what causes basement moisture to understand how to keep them dry. Unfortunately, water is a natural thief and can easily find its way into homes. Basements are especially prone to moisture due to their unique structure. Here are some of the main causes of basement moisture:
Drainage & Soil Quality Issues
Rainwater and groundwater can get into your basement if it is not properly drained. Poor drainage and soil quality are two of the leading causes of basement moisture. Water that is not directed away will build up around the foundation and try to get inside.
Poorly Maintained Installed Gutters
Gutters are designed to divert rainwater away from your foundation. Gutters that are not professionally installed or blocked will cause water to drain away from your foundation.
Improper Slope
The ground surrounding your foundation should slope away and not in the direction of your home. If the slope is not sufficiently angled, water can accumulate around your foundation rather than flow away.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is when water builds up around your foundation. To relieve the pressure, gravity will push down on that water. Any cracks in basement walls or floors will be forced open by the water. The pressure can be so strong that foundation cracks may occur.
Basement Cracks
Cracks in basement walls, floors, or windows and doors create the perfect channel for water flow. These cracks allow water to flow through them easily, as it will follow the path of least resistance.
Condensation
Basements are known for being extremely damp. Condensation can cause mildew, mould, or other damage.
Understanding the various causes of basement water damage is the first step to preventing issues from arising. Now that we have covered the reasons that water damage might occur, we can go over the best ways to “waterproof” your home’s basement floor.
What Are the Types of Interior Waterproofing?
As the name suggests, interior waterproofing means sealing your basement from water from the inside. Here are some of the most common interior waterproofing methods.
Concrete Waterproofing Coatings
These thick coatings look cement-like. They stick to concrete and masonry walls permanently once they are dry. The coating is applied using a heavy brush with Tampico bristles, a natural fibre. Concrete waterproof coatings cannot be applied to surfaces that have been previously painted.
Concrete Sealers (Made from Silicate)
Another type of basement interior waterproofing is concrete sealers. They are also known as densifiers and can only be used on walls that have not been painted or sealed. The sealers are absorbed and react chemically with brick or concrete to form a hard, waterproof layer. These sealers are permanent and cannot be sprayed or etched. You can also paint on them, but make sure to read the label. A gallon of silicate-based sealer covers 175 to 250 sq. feet. However, you will need at least two coats.
Acrylic Formula from Waterproofing Paint
Using Acrylic Formula is not much different from regular wall paint. It can be applied by brushing, rolling, or spraying it more thickly than standard paint. A gallon only covers 75 square feet (about twice the area of a queen-sized bed). It can be applied over any painted surface and then painted over once it has cured.
Hydraulic Cement
A type of cement, known as Portland cement, that hardens when in contact with water, forming a solid mass. It can be used to fill in the holes or cracks in your to prevent water from entering the basement.
What Are the Types of Exterior Waterproofing?
The root cause of wet basements is usually outside the home. It is crucial to consider the exterior of your basement walls when doing a basement waterproofing project. Exterior waterproofing can be more complicated than the simple sealing we do on the inside. When considering exterior waterproofing, it is always a promising idea to consult a professional.
Exterior waterproofing requires the excavation of soil around the foundation of the house. This can be labour-intensive and require heavy machinery and tools. After all the soil has been removed from the foundation, waterproof sealants can be applied to exterior walls. The sealant is usually a polymer base and should last the lifetime of the building. This exterior waterproofing should be done during construction.
When discussing exterior methods, it is important to mention gutters. Gutter systems direct rainwater away from your home's foundation when they are adequately installed. These systems can cause damage if they are not maintained or installed correctly.
Gutters that are too close to the foundation or clogged will collect water at the base of your house. To keep your gutters working well, make sure they are clean and clear of any debris. Make sure you have downspouts that direct water away from your home.
Drainage Systems
Problems with drainage are often the root cause of damp basements. Proper drainage around your house is crucial if you want your basement to stay dry. These drainage systems are designed to divert water, rainwater, or groundwater away from your foundation.
There are many drainage options available that can help you control water around your house. You should first examine the soil around your house. Different soil types drain differently. Make sure that your home is well-drained and free of moisture.
Every home is unique, so make sure you thoroughly inspect the drainage around your house. Look at the slope of your foundation's ground. The ground should slope away from the foundation and not towards it. A sump pump may be required depending on your situation to collect and pump the water away. These interior drainage systems drain water around your foundation and pump it away to your basement.
These systems must be able to work in the event of an outage. Installing a sump pump, or any other type of interior drainage system can be quite a task. When considering waterproofing, it is best to hire a professional.
How Much Does It Cost to Waterproof a Basement?
Basement waterproofing costs differ based on many factors, like waterproofing materials and the type of waterproofing required.
Interior waterproofing starts at $70 to $230 per linear foot. Exterior waterproofing is only slightly pricier than interior waterproofing, starting at $90 to $320 per linear foot. Window well installation is also relatively cheap, ranging from $69 to $330 per linear foot.
Other methods can be more pricey, like foundation repair, which ranges from $1550 to $3150 per linear foot. The price of sump pump installation varies widely starting from $450 to $3900 per linear foot.
These basement waterproofing costs are just estimates, as there are so many variables. On average, an exterior waterproofing basement job may cost a total of $10,000 to $30,000. Minor fixes, like installing a humidifier may cost as little as $600 in total, while major changes, like installing a new drainage system may cost up to $15,000 in total.
What is the Importance of Basement Waterproofing?
Prevent Mould Growth
Water can cause mould growth in basements. This can lead to health issues for you and your family, as well as the deterioration or destruction of your home. While mould spores can pose a problem for everyone, they can be especially dangerous for those with allergies or asthma.
Mold thrives in moist places, but it also likes dark and warm areas like basements. The moisture in your basement is removed by waterproofing. This will stop mold growth.
Protect Your Belongings
Basements can be used as storage spaces, which can pose a problem if not waterproofed properly. When your basement leaks during a storm, it could cause damage or destruction to your personal belongings.
You could lose important items and your memories if you fail to waterproof your basement. Water damage can be costly and time-consuming, which is something no one wants.
Prevent Basement Flooding
Many areas in Canada receive heavy rain throughout the year, which means flooding can happen at any point. With basement waterproofing, you can protect your home from the possibility of getting flooded. Excess moisture can cause stress to your basement and home's foundation.
Hydrostatic pressure outside your home or water's interaction with the concrete is typically the culprit behind that stress. If the pressure is too much to handle, it can turn a minor moisture problem into flooding.
Prevent Pest Infestation
Nothing is worse than a home invasion by little creatures. A humid or moist basement can become the new happy home for insects and other critters if you don't address the problem as soon as possible. While basement builders aren't equipped to remove pests from your home, they can prevent them from entering with basement waterproofing measures. A dry basement isn't a very attractive environment for insects.
Professional VS. DIYing Basement Waterproofing
As a homeowner looking to save money, you might be wondering if basement waterproofing is best done by professionals or can be DIYed. According to expert basement builders, DIY waterproofing can be sufficient, but only for minor leaks and moisture issues. However, professionals are better suited for most types of basement waterproofing solutions.
Hiring professionals can provide long-term solutions that address underlying issues of water infiltration. Moreover, professionals can save you more money in the long run as they use advanced methods that prevent damage related to moisture and leaks for a long time. Most importantly, professionals ensure compliance with local building codes, while some DIY methods may not comply, which can get you in trouble.
Keep Your Home Safe
Changes in moisture levels can cause foundations to shift or settle over time. Cracks can result in more moisture and leaking into your basement. This water and moisture can cause cracks in foundation walls and "bow,” which can lead to serious structural damage.
Pests can also be attracted to this water, which could cause damage to your home and pose health risks to your family. That's why waterproofing basement walls is crucial to maintain a healthy and safe space.
Basement Builders is happy to help give you the best advice on keeping your basement safe against potential water damage with basement waterproofing. When we build quality basements, we ensure that they are structurally sound and secure against water seepage and moisture. See how we build basements or give us a call today to discuss your upcoming basement renovation project.
