A Guide To Waterproofing Basement Walls
The basement can be one of the most useful rooms of the house. It is ideal for both storage and entertainment. Many households have converted their basement into media rooms due to the fact that the basement insulates the neighboring houses from the noise generated by many modern home theatre systems. However there are challenges to making full use of the basement space, one of the most obvious being the levels of humidity and dampness found in many basements. Aside from dampness most basements are prone to water seepage due to the fact that they are below floor level. These challenges need to be addressed if your investment in turning your basement into a living area is not to be wasted. Waterproofing basement walls are a must if you hope to enjoy the extra space offered by a renovated basement.
When waterproofing basement walls there are a number of solutions available, most of these will be suitable for many wall types, including projects to waterproof stone basement walls. Mold resistant drywalls and a mold resistant paint will go a long way to ensuring a waterproof basement. The first step in waterproofing basement walls is to check the exterior of the house for water seepage. This can be caused by clogged drains or overflow pipes. Make sure to rectify any external problems prior to starting on the basement itself. Once you’re sure that there is no water flowing directly on the walls it’s time to move into the basement to begin preparations for the waterproofing job.
Begin by inspecting the walls of the basement for cracks. It is important to fill these cracks with either cement or industrial epoxy. The filling must reach into the wall, filling the entire crack and not just the surface, this is vitally important. Removing wall mold is equally important.
There are two methods of waterproofing that are applicable to the basement living space, the first is a liquid membrane application and the second is a sheet based basement waterproofing membrane. Of the two applications the sheet membrane is usually more costly. Both liquid and sheet membranes require some expertise to accomplish a tight and effective seal, as well as specialized equipment. The application of a sheet or liquid membrane is a job best left to professionals.
When undertaking basement waterproofing job always take into account the fact that the waterproofing takes some time to cure and that during this period you will not be able to make use of the basement space. Prior to the project rollout consider carefully where the items in the basement are going to be stored.
Some common sense precautions need to be taken if the homeowner decides that waterproofing is a good opportunity to practice his or her DIY skills. Some of the solvents used in the waterproofing process can be extremely dangerous, always make us of an industrial grade respirator. When working with liquids always wear eye protection. Also be aware that industrial grade spray equipment is so powerful that it can inject toxins directly into your bloodstream if not handled correctly. Also note that many waterproofing materials have high levels of solvent. Be aware of any fire risks while working in the basement. Do not operate cutting or welding tools in the basement area while the waterproofing project is underway.
