How to Safely and Inexpensively Waterproof Your Basement
Monday, September 7, 2020, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
Many people use their basements for larger appliances, as extra storage space, or as an additional part of the house where friends and family can gather.
As versatile as a basement can be, it can have issues taking on standing water if it is not waterproofed properly.
Here are a few ways homeowners can waterproof their basements in safety without breaking the bank.
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Patch the Leaks
The first part of the waterproofing process is to locate any leaks that are obvious and take care of them. In most cases, patching leaks isn’t going to stop all of the water from coming into the basement. However, it is an easy task that simply requires special hydraulic cement. This cement will set and harden quickly. Before you lay any cement, clean the foundation of dirt or grime that could interfere with the bonding process. If you are concerned about your ability to properly patch leaks, contact a basement waterproofing contractor.
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Paint the Walls
You won’t use actual paint for this process, but the special waterproofing that you do use goes on just like paint. This kind of basement waterproofing will involve at least a couple of coats of the mixture. It’s important to spread it in all directions in order to ensure that it covers every surface as needed. Keeping the interior basement dry is much easier and cheaper than having to make outdoor renovations.
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Stop the Condensation
Cold water going through a home’s pipes can react to warm air and create condensation. This condensation can make the basement damp or moist. A relatively easy fix to combat this problem is to get insulation for the pipes. This foam is inexpensive and simple for you to install yourself. You can cut a slit in the foam and wrap it around the basement pipes wherever you find them. There’s insulation you can add to the walls too.
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Remove Outer Damp
Many newer homes already have protection against damp. However, an older home may not have this feature. Even if your home does have it, it’s good to remember that it can fail over time. Restoring damp protection to the outside of the basement can help keep soil moisture at bay.
Excess water in a basement could damage items, appliances, furniture, treasured memories, or pose a serious risk to the general safety of the home. Waterproofing your basement doesn’t have to be an expensive or particularly hazardous project. With a few of the techniques above, you may be able to avoid a wet basement without a costly drainage system. Whatever the case, don’t forget to check the gutters if your home has them. Crammed gutters can’t do their job of whisking water away from the home.
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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
