If you have a problem with a leaky basement, you will want to stop the problem as soon as possible. Basement waterproofing is not so much a science as it is a technique. You need the proper equipment and supplies to ensure that the leakage is stopped permanently. Doing this work yourself could end up costing you more money than you'd spend having a professional do it. Professionals are trained in areas that not only cover cracked walls, but also foundation problems, the underlying source of cracked walls.
There are many solutions for a leaky basement such as a sump pump installation, proper downspouts outside the house, drainage tiles in the basement floor, and waterproofing the walls with a special formula. Basement waterproofing will help eliminate that musty smell that may occur when you have a damp basement due to moisture getting into the walls and floors. Installing the sump pumps and drainage tiles, with the help of a professional plumber, will allow water in the walls to drain without reaching the inside floors of the basement. This allows the water to be directed outside the house by way of a drainage hose.
Another form of basement moisture is the plumbing. You can have a plumber come in and insulate the water and drain pipes. This will prevent condensation that can sometimes become excessive if you have poor air circulation in the basement. Your plumbing contractor or waterproofing specialist will recommend the best basement waterproofing supplies to eliminate the condensation and minimize the moisture in the basement. This may include wrapping the pipes with a foam material if you have lead pipes or replacing the pipes with PCV piping.
Contacting a professional such as a plumber for the job will save you aggravation and money while protecting one of your most important assets - your house. Basement waterproofing will clear up musty odors, prevent mold growth, as well as keep your possessions dry and safe from water damage.
This article has been provided courtesy of eLocalPlumbers.com (http://www.elocalplumbers.com), the nation's #1 directory of local plumbers. Find a local plumber or plumbing contractor by zip code and get free plumbing tips and advice at eLocalPlumbers.com.
Basement Waterproofing
Preventive Measures In Basement Waterproofing
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.
Start your basement waterproofing project today. Find the latest offers on basement waterproofing product and tools.
How To Select A Basement Waterproofing Contractor
If you have made the decision to have your leaky basement repaired and get rid of the water in the basement, then it's time to look at hiring a basement waterproofing contractor. The question then becomes, how do I find the best one? Here are some good tips to help.
Choosing the right contractor for the job is not something you want to do hastily. You will want to take your time and get several estimates for the job. Since basement waterproofing is a significant cost, get at least 3 estimates from various contractors before making any decision. Even getting as many as 5-6 is not unreasonable.
Where do you find a basement waterproofing contractor? You can start with family and friends of course. Perhaps they have used one for their wet basement in the past. There is nothing better than a firsthand experience to let you know about a particular contractor. Co-workers may also have some firsthand experience with their basements as well. You never know until you ask.
Next, you could check with the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC). Many contractors are members of this organization. In addition, they also have loads of information on basement waterproofing.
Finally, you can go through the Yellow Pages and call the contractors you find there.
Now that you have your list it's time to schedule them to come out and give estimates on your wet basement. One of the most important things you will want to do is get a list of references. Check some of them out and get an idea of their quality of work. Ask questions when they are there. How long have they been doing this type of work? How long will the job take? Will they be working full-time on your home only, or will they be doing other jobs as well? You certainly do not want your basement torn up and have to wait a month while the company completes other jobs in the meantime.
Also, make sure you get a waterproofer that offers a transferable 30 year - lifetime warranty. Then, get a written estimate from them and look over the fine print. The estimate should include details on everything the contractor will do, costs, and the amount of time to complete the job.
Finding a basement waterproofing contractor isn't difficult by itself, but finding the right one who is reputable and does quality work will take a little effort on your part. The results though, will be more than worth it. You'll be enjoying a dry basement for many years to come.
You can find out more about how to find a Basement Waterproofing Contractor as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com
Basement System Waterproofing - What Are Your Choices?
One of the worst things a homeowner experiences is a flooded basement or one that constantly leaks with every rain. Unfortunately, it's a problem that affects homes all across the country. For this reason, basement system waterproofing is a huge industry. Here's a look at some of your choices in getting rid of a basement water issue.
As the name implies, waterproofing is the term used to describe the way of keeping water out of your basement area permanently. Not only does it prevent water coming in, but it also prevents basement mold and other moisture related concerns.
Basement waterproofing can involve everything from french drains and sump pumps to rubberized paint coatings and membranes.
The do-it-yourself basement waterproofing product from Sani-Tred is a unique rubberized coating that is brushed on basement walls and the floor. It includes a special primer, base coat and sealer that is an affordable option to having a contractor install a professional system. At about 1/5th the cost, it is an attractive option to be sure.
The most common ways of keeping the water out of your basement involves the installation of drain tile and running a sump pump to get the water outside and away from the home.
Waterproofing systems such as ones offered by B-Dry are guaranteed for life to prevent leaky basements. Although these systems are certainly on the expensive side, they will completely eliminate any type of water problems.
For those who only have a moisture problem or a musty basement smell, you may find that a basement dehumidifier is all that you need. You can find these units at any home improvement store.
There is no doubt that getting the water out of your basement is critical in keeping your home in good condition. By doing some research and getting bids from several companies, you will find the right basement system waterproofing for your particular needs.
You can find out more about Basement System Waterproofing as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com
A Guide To Waterproofing Basement Walls
Waterproofing basement walls can be done in a number of ways, mostly dealing with the inside and outside of the wall. The best time to make sure your basement is waterproof is during construction when a waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation. Leaks and seepage through your basement walls could result from poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home. However with some work you can waterproof your basement walls.
First check the walls for any hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls. Smaller holes and cracks will be fine with just a waterproof mix, but larger holes will need to be filled with mortar and then waterproofed. When filling in larger holes a dovetail should be chiseled out to allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. An average mortar is one part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix.
When applying mortar use an ordinary trowel and make sure there are no air holes or pockets. Using a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles is also a good idea before applying the mortar to help it adhere. If the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water. This may only be temporary or permanent depending on the nature of the water flow. If you have a leaking floor joint you will repair it in much the same way as the larger holes in the wall.
Chisel out a dovetail joint to help it adhere and make sure to incline the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall to provide strength and drainage. After repairing the wall we are ready to apply the waterproof mixture.
Before applying the waterproof mixture the wall should be sanded to remove any paint. Then mist the wall, as the mixture will not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall. Epoxy and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require the addition of some water, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. You may also use your own mix of plain cement and water mixed to a slurry about the consistency of cream.
Begin applying the mixture with a stiff brush at the bottom of the wall moving up in a right to left direction. Make sure to get it into every nook and cranny. Feather the edges until the entire area is covered and let dry overnight or until the mixture does not rub off. Wet the wall thoroughly and allow it to set overnight. After the wall has dried overnight wet it down thoroughly again and apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture in the same manner as the first. Always use two coats, as one coat will not do the job and may result in you having to start over again.
Use this information and you will find waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it first appeared. Better yet, you will finally have that dry basement you have been wanting for quite some time.
You can find out more about Waterproofing A Basement as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com
Choosing Effective Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Before choosing to apply a basement waterproofing sealer from your local home center or, the more dramatic approach, digging up outside your home to install drain tiles, do a little homework to figure out what is "causing" your problem. For instance, painting your basement walls with a waterproofing paint, is not going to matter much when you have a rain gutter downspout dumping enormous volumes of water directly against your foundation. With a common-sense approach, you can fix the things that need fixing and end up with better results.
Investigate
Go outside during the next rain storm to see what's happening. Look at you rain gutters. Is water spilling over the sides? Check out where your down spouts empty to. Are they spilling out right next to your basement? Is surface water being directed toward your home. Are there low spots next to your home where water is ponding? Do you have a stream or creek nearby that may be flooding your property?
You should write down what you find during your outside inspection to help you decide later, what is the best solution for your problem.
Grading
If you determined that surface water is directed towards your home or that water is laying in low spots next to your home, you will have to consider doing some outside landscaping to re-contour the property around your home.
At least several inches of your foundation should be visible above ground level. Your yard should then slope slightly away from your home to direct surface water away. If water is laying in puddles, or deeper next to your home, no basement waterproofing product or method is going to work to its full potential.
Re-grading your yard is probably a job for a professional landscaper. Besides repairing your basement water problem, you must also consider preserving the value of your home or, improving the value from a professional job well done. If you have other landscaping needs or dreams, now is a good time to consider adding them to your project.
Rain Gutters
If your outside inspection revealed that your rain gutters are spilling over, they are probably clogged with leaves or other debris. Get your rain gutters cleaned out so they can direct your roof water away from your basement.
If your downspouts are dumping water next to your home, add extension pipes to direct the water at least 10 feet away. You should also consider extending underground drain pipes out to the street or down over a slope away from your home. Successful basement waterproofing is a multi-phased approach.
Humidity
If your basement problem is only a "dampness" issue, this requires a completely different approach. Humidity problems are common to basements because they are underground and "cooler" than upstairs areas. Humidity and condensation are attracted to the basement because of the cooler temperatures. The word condensation refers to the principle that warmer air volumes shrink as they enter the colder basement. When the air volume shrinks, the moisture in that air collects together and forms droplets of water. These droplets form on cold water pipes, cold basement floors and walls and are absorbed into porous concrete, wood, carpets and furniture. This constant dampness is what helps feed unpleasant odors in the basement.
Get a good dehumidifier to mechanically remove this extra humidity from your basement. Make sure to get a deicer feature to prevent it from freezing up in the cooler lower level. A drain hose is another good feature. It will free you from having to empty the collection pan several times a day.
In Closing
Prevention is a key factor in any basement waterproofing project. The preventative tips above are all projects that will help improve the value of your home and your property. Identify your real problem before deciding on a solution.
Robert Clarke has owned and operated many successful home improvement companies throughout the past 30 years. He is a published author of home repair articles, pamphlets and brochures. Find additional information on basement waterproofing here.
Waterproofing Basement Walls - Make Sure You Don't Commit These Critical Mistakes
For one reason or another your basement wall has cracked and water is now flowing into the basement. Perhaps it was the fault of the person who constructed the basement. He did a bad job and now there are cracks and holes in the walls. Or maybe it's due to the house has settling.
In some cases, the water pressure has become so strong that it has created cracks itself. In any of these scenarios, waterproofing basement walls is desired. In this article, I will show you how to avoid committing mistakes which do not adequately waterproof the walls.
Depending upon the crack or hole, you will go about waterproofing in one of two ways. Sometimes you will be able to directly seal the crack with a waterproofing compound. In some cases, there is just too much water pressure built up or the crack is too big. Here you will need to clean out the area where the seepage occurs and patch it properly before using a waterproofing product.
For some cracks, a simple mortaring cement formula will do. Oftentimes you can buy an epoxy or latex formula that you simply brush on to the area to patch it. If there are larger holes, or there are many of them, then you may consider mixing your own mortar for patching the holes.
It's really simple to create a mortaring compound to do this. Just take one part cement and mix it with two parts of fine sand. Then add in water to make it stiff and apply to the areas where the cracks and holes are. For the finer areas, you can use a putty knife or trowel to force the mortar into the crack.
However, there will be some instances when waterproofing basement walls with patching and waterproofing compound won't work. This is because there is still too much water pressure on the outside. In these cases you're going to need to use a weep pipe temporarily, so you can divert the water into a nearby sewer drain or to a sump pump.
To do this, take the weep pipe and insert it where the wall and floor join together in the area where the greatest pressure occurs.
In conclusion, the number one mistake people make when waterproofing basement walls is they do not adequately seal the cracks and holes. Make sure you apply the patch and sealant properly and that you find all cracks and holes when doing the job.
You can find out more about Waterproofing Basement Walls as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com
