Basement seepage is a nuisance and can be frustrating if not appropriately handled. Basement walls and the foundation floor beneath always reach a point and eventually give in to the constant contraction and expansion in the soil. While doing so, the walls begin to form cracks that may widen if the soil activities keep on getting worse. These cracks on the basement walls finally reach a point where they allow entry of water and cold air into the basement.
Once your house has such foreign substance passing through the basement, then wear unto you. That is because a basement that has water seepage is a threat to the house and the inhabitants. Water leaks weaken the foundation and basement structure while the water penetrates through harbors, molds, and pests that affect the inhabitants.
Therefore, the perfect and working solution to handling any basement water leaks is through basement waterproofing. How is basement waterproofing done? Here is a quick guide!
What causes basement damage
Before looking at the different ways how basement waterproofing is done, we have to learn the reasons behind the damage to your basement. Several reasons could lead to damages to your basements. They include;
- Poor foundation and basement construction in the initial stages of construction
- Poor and unstable shifting on the soil surrounding the basement
- Condensation from excessive humidity in the surrounding soil
- Cracks, among other imperfections, on your basement walls
- Damaged and clogged gutters
- Poor and damaged drainage systems
How foundation crack repair executed
Waterproofing is essential in keeping your basement water free. Once done, the basement remains dry, lasting the longest time possible. Here are several steps to getting that done.
Interior basement waterproofing
The interior basement waterproofing method allows for sealing the crack, among other faults, all done while in the basement. They come in two steps;
Application of sealants
The application of sealants is one of the commonly applied methods when doing Toronto basement waterproofing. This unique method involves the application and injection of sealants into the cracks within the basement cracks and floor. The sealants include epoxy injection and other membranes injected into the cracks using the sealant injection kit.
Such kits get purchased and can be directly done by yourself or an expert when the cracks are much more complex than usual. The sealant directly gets injected into the cracks, where it expands and fills up the gaps created by the cracks.
Once the sealant injection is done, the sealants are given several days or hours for healing. The healing process makes the sealants harder and more rigid, preventing water entry for the longest time possible. Unfortunately, sealants and other waterproofing coatings are not that effective, given the high hydrostatic pressure from the soil against the foundation and basement walls.
Exterior waterproofing
External waterproofing involves repairing water seepage from the outside by bridging and refilling gaps within the basement walls. Once it rains heavily, water from the surrounding soil quickly enters the basement. The soggy soils surrounding the basement expand and create pressure that pushes onto the walls, thereby creating cracks that eventually allow for water entry. However, exterior waterproofing is one effective way of controlling and permanently preventing water from seeping into the basement.
This exterior basement crack repair involves the excavation of the surrounding soil to the bottom of the foundation. Once that is done, the basement wall is coated with special exterior sealants. Besides, a perfect drainage system will be created to allow excess water from the gutter away from the basement. The sump pump is commonly made to allow for clear passage of water within the surrounding soils and eventually stop water leaks.
Interior and exterior drainage
Drainage is an essential aspect of any construction of any given size. Therefore, any single home needs to have a properly functioning drainage system. That will control water flow and other house wastes into reservoirs distant from the home.
Drainage prevents basement water leaks and keeps your entire house dry. A homeowner is then required always to ensure the drainage system on the basement’s exterior and interior is fully operational. That includes a sump pump drainage system and other water control mechanisms, such as good-quality gutters.
Final thoughts
Nothing is annoying as walking on a floor covered with water and is mushy. That happens when you leave your basement unattended. It is so important to have a clean and dry basement to keep your house accommodative and comfortable. Besides, that will keep your house in good shape and eliminate any risks, such as accidents and health complications from water seepage.
The best preventive and protective measure to consider is waterproofing your basement. Dryshield.ca is here to get that done for you, thanks to our fantastic offers and professional teams at work. Out rates are much more accommodating, and you also get assured of quality work. Do not hesitate to ask for a free quote via phone at +1-800-277-5411.
