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What is Waterproofing A Basement All About?

Submitted by on Sunday February 21, 2010 No Comments

What are basement waterproofing systems and how do they work?

 Let’s take a look at the time and tested waterproofing of basement and how it works.

If you can see a home being built the contractor first surveys the lot using the blueprints for the home to be built; then he sights out the lot to find out the best place to start digging and grading the property, then he lays the footer or foundation and begins building the basement walls, lastly the balance of the home follows.

 That big hole in the ground, the first on the list above is important to note.

 The construction of basement walls invariably leaves a void on the exterior which requires backfilling. Loose backfill is what is used to fill this void. 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. Typical ways of waterproofing a basement utilize water drainage pipes that often become silted. The water is naturally bringing all sorts of suspension with it. The system can overload if the pipes get over-filled and then the pressure of the built up water would be concentrated on the outer basement walls. 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.

 A huge problem is that often there isn’t access to these pipes. Basement waterproofing is also applied to the external walls of the basement to try and keep the water out. Usually this is called 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. To move water away from your property; it first must be collected and sent through drainage channels to a sump pump or a natural drainage field.

Waterproofing a basement is a better system when they are installed internally and have easy access ports for removing the silt etc. It takes minimal disturbance to the original basement where traditional tanking or other methods have failed.

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

You want to be sure to choose a reliable waterproofer for your home, keep in mind that it will greatly increase the value by far more than what you initally paid.

In conclusion, you want a basement waterproofing system that will deliver:

 - a permanent or long term fix
- stop water through the floor and walls
- not disturb the exterior appearance of your home
- an approved method by home loan lenders
- more affordable than other methods

While you are getting the house made you need to realize that waterproofing is more of an investment in the value of your house rather then an expense.

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