Keeping the Construction Industry GoingKeeping the Construction Industry Going

A wet basement is never a good situation. You will need to determine the cause of the problem and repair it so your home can remain dry and protected. Because a wet basement promotes mold, mildew growth, and damage to your home's structural integrity, it is an issue that is as important to repair as your indoor plumbing and electrical systems. Here are some recommendations to help you waterproof your basement foundation walls to protect your home interior from problems relating to dampness.

Recognize Moisture Entrance Problems

When you notice that moisture has come into your basement and it has not come from a leaking pipe, you can assume it has come from the outside soil. The soil surrounding the outside of your home's foundation can expand when wet if it contains a high amount of clay, so the moisture exerts pressure onto the outside of your foundation. When this occurs, the pressure of the water will seep through wall foundation cracks, pores, or the cove joint where the wall connects to the foundation slab. Your home's foundation wall may be made of concrete, but it is not a waterproof barrier, especially if the concrete walls are made of masonry and the mortar joints have cracks within them.

You can repair your concrete foundation wall through various means depending on the circumstances and condition of your home and property. For example, you can repair the soil condition and its grading or slope to keep moisture flowing away from your foundation. Or, you can also apply a waterproof barrier onto the inside or outside of your foundation. You can also install a drainage system to prevent the flow of moisture into your home. However, talk to your waterproof professional about your options and recommendations for your best home protection.

Apply Waterproof Treatments

Your waterproof professional can apply a waterproof treatment to the exterior of your foundation with an exterior waterproof membrane and also by installing an exterior drain. Both of these options will prevent water from seeping into your foundation and will protect your basement from moisture collection. Along with the exterior membrane, look at keeping the soil sloped away from your foundation and making sure the gutters do not drain improperly onto the soil below. 

A French drain installed at the base of your foundation slab will collect and divert moisture in the soil along with the membrane barrier. Your foundation professional can install this when they excavate the soil from the foundation to install the membrane barrier.

For more information about exterior waterproofing, contact a local contractor.