Types of Basement Waterproofing | 5 Types of Waterproofing Basement

Waterproofing your basement is one of the best decisions you can make to avoid costly damage to your home. There are many ways to ensure that your home is safe from water damage caused by leaks and floods that endanger the safety of your basement. Learn about the different types of basement waterproofing. 

Types of Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is the process of keeping water out of a building’s basement using various methods and materials. Basement waterproofing below grade may necessitate waterproofing materials, drains, and pit pumps, among other things.

Basements are especially prone to moisture and moisture development. Water in the ground causes hydrostatic pressure under the floors and walls of the basement. This hydrostatic pressure can expel water through cracks, which can cause major damage to the structure and mold, rot, and other moisture-related problems.

The biggest problems in this regard are inadequate soil and drainage systems, improperly installed and maintained gutters, improper slope, hydrostatic pressure, condensation, etc. The goal of installing basement waterproofing is to prevent all of this.

Internal seals

Cracks and pipe penetrations are the most prevalent entry locations for seepage in cast concrete foundations. From the inside, these apertures can be closed. Epoxy, strong adhesives, or urethanes can be injected under pressure into openings, penetrating the foundation outward and interrupting the infiltration pathway.

Internal sealants are good at preventing the absorption of high atmospheric moisture inside the basement into porous walls and causing breakage. Internal seals are designed to ensure that the level of atmospheric humidity in the basement remains low. Therefore, internal sealants can prevent moisture from being absorbed into basement walls and floors and spreading to other portions of the house.

Internal water drainage

A drainage system can prevent water from accumulating in your basement by moving water from the house’s foundation to the basement. A common drainage system for water that has entered the basement is to create a channel around the perimeter of the basement along the foundation legs. The new duct is fitted with a French drain, PVC pipe, or a patented drainage system. New cement is used to cover the drain that has been installed. 

Waterproofing of external basements

The basement exterior waterproofing method is designed to prevent water from causing major structural damage to the building, using polymers and membranes to cover the basement’s exterior walls.

Polymer-based products last the life of the building and are not affected by soil ph. Waterproofing materials based on polymers may be sprayed directly on the wall, harden quickly, and are semi-flexible, allowing for some substrate movement.

Basement interior waterproofing 

Waterproofing interior basements with coatings are effective where condensation is the primary source of moisture. It is also effective if the problem is slightly damp. Installing a check valve is one of the most effective measures to save your basement. The most demanding solution for interior waterproofing is the construction of a drainage system. A French drain with a sump pump installation, rubber walls, drain tiles, and a drainage membrane is a suitable solution. This system allows water to escape effortlessly without damaging the walls.

Foundation crack injections

Foundation crack injections are used when poured concrete foundations crack due to settlement or the expansion and contraction of concrete. 

Epoxy injections into cracks are used for structural purposes, while hydrophobic or hydrophilic polyurethane injections are used to seal cracks and prevent moisture or water infiltration.

The issue can be settled by infusing sealant into the crack hole, which should be possible from within with insignificant interference. Our approach is to drill a series of holes every 6 to 8 inches along the crack. Each access hole is 3/8 inch in diameter, perpendicular to the crack’s route, and angled at 45 degrees so that the drilled hole passes through the crack at the approximate middle of the treated wall, ensuring the most efficient sealant distribution.

Various Basement Waterproofing Options

With the growing demand, various waterproofing systems have been developed. Companies are now focusing on innovative systems to meet the growing demand for basement waterproofing. Some of the popular systems are –

Waterproof seal

This system uses a cellular network that binds to freshly laid concrete that acts as a seal. This prevents water infiltration. It is simple to install, requires no blind concrete, primer, or protection, and maybe altered immediately after installation.

This is a two-component system of fiber-reinforced waterproof mixes comprised of rubberized bituminous emulsion with additives and a powder component. The application is simple, even around details like pipe penetrations, interior and external corners, wall-to-floor couplings, etc.

EPDM Waterproofing Membrane

This is a single-layer rubber waterproofing membrane used for basement waterproofing. It is made of EPDM synthetic rubber. EPDM rubber waterproofing membranes are technically-commercial much better than replacement ones.

Cement coating

This is a flexible waterproof membrane made of acrylic-modified Portland cement, which is used in the basement. This system is resistant to positive and negative pressures below a height of 100 m in water retention and underground structures.

New reinforced concrete construction

This is a cement-based waterproofing system used in the basement. The active chemicals react with the free lime and moisture in the capillary tract to generate insoluble crystal complexes, then deposited on the concrete surface. These crystals block capillaries and smaller cracks due to shrinkage in the concrete to prevent further water infiltration.

Advantages of Basement Waterproofing

Basement is particularly susceptible to water damage, as water can penetrate cracks in the foundation, and improper heating or cooling can cause moisture to accumulate or condense. That is why waterproofing the basement is important. Its advantages are –

• Economic
• Better indoor environment
• Basement floor protection
• Prevent basement flooding
• Protect your drain pump
• Protection against structural damage
• Reduce energy costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective method for waterproofing basement walls?

Apply the masonry waterproofing product to the bare interior walls of the basement if your foil test shows that water penetrates the walls of your basement and leaves them damp.

What is the best waterproofing for concrete?

Concrete may be efficiently protected and waterproofed with silicone sealants. Silicone can also be used as a filler and crack sealant for cracks up to a quarter of an inch wide. In addition, silicone or polyurethane sealant will work very well as restoration on already protected concrete structures.

Why does my basement leak when it rains?

Basement leaks are most commonly caused by pressure created by the water in the soil around the foundation. The earth can become saturated during periods of heavy or continuous rain, resulting in hydrostatic pressure (or water pressure) that can drive moisture and water through the walls and floor of your basement.

Is it possible to waterproof the basement wall from the inside?

Yes, it is possible to waterproof the basement. First and foremost, you must establish the source of the wetness. Determine whether the moisture is from condensation on your basement walls and windows or an exterior source that permits water to gather after rain.

What type of waterproofing is the most expensive waterproofing?

A polyurethane liquid membrane is used to waterproof flat rooftops that are exposed to the elements. This process is more expensive than other waterproofing procedures. However, more flexibility is possible with a polyurethane liquid membrane.

Conclusion

The choice of waterproofing system will depend on several factors such as the method and type of basement construction. The depth below the level, and the proposed end-use. Water damage can result in serious issues and pricey repairs. Several factors influence the safety of your basement. Although every situation is different, the best policy is always prevention, not cure. Call on experts and protect the basement.