5 Components for Waterproofing a Basement: Protect Your Home from Moisture

With Spring and Summer, comes heavy rains in Georgia. This also means more basement floods. Basement floods are costly, both money and the cost of losing sentimental items, time consuming, and all around annoying! Or maybe your basement isn’t flooding, but you’ve still noticed other signs of water damage. If you have ever dealt with excessive moisture in your basement, you know the struggle it can be, but waterproofing your basement can keep you and your home safe.

Before you can start waterproofing your basement, you need to identify the common sources of leaks. Water can enter your basement through various points, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, or even through the floor. It's important to thoroughly inspect your basement for any signs of water entry, such as dampness, mold, or water stains. By identifying the sources of leaks, you can effectively target your waterproofing efforts and ensure a dry basement. Additionally, faulty or clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and penetrate your foundation. It's crucial to address these issues as part of your waterproofing strategy.

Every basement is different, so it is important to create a customized waterproofing solution for your home. In this blog, we’ll discuss the five most important components to a waterproofing system.

1.       Vapor Barrier

2.       Drainage System

3.       Sump Pump

4.       Basement Windows

5.       Dehumidifier

1. Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier is a crucial component in preventing moisture from entering your basement through the walls or floor. It acts as a protective layer that blocks water vapor from the surrounding soil or concrete, reducing the risk of dampness and related issues.

Vapor barriers are typically made of polyethylene and can be installed on basement walls or beneath concrete floors. Proper installation is key to avoiding gaps or air pockets that could compromise the barrier's effectiveness.

When choosing a vapor barrier, you want one that is thick and durable, so it doesn’t rip over time. It is also important to choose one that has antimicrobial additives to keep mold from growing.

2. Drainage System

While vapor barriers are a good place to start, they need somewhere to direct the water to. Improving the drainage around your home helps with this.

The best way to improve drainage is by installing a French drain to redirect water away from your foundation. A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that channels water away from the foundation. By installing an interior drain, it can collect the water from the vapor barrier. When choosing a drainage system, you should go with one that can be integrated with a sump pump so that water is always getting moved out quickly. It is also important that the drain has some non-clogging mechanism, otherwise you might end up with more flooding!

You can also improve drainage by ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are clean and properly functioning. Make sure your downspouts are extended away from your foundation, direct the water at least 3 feet away from the house.

3. Sump Pump

Once water is collected through the drainage system, it must be pumped out to prevent flooding. This is where a sump pump comes into play. A sump pump usually works by activating when water reaches a certain level, and then pumping it out of the basement and away from your home.

There are two common types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Submersible pumps sit underwater, making them quieter, while pedestal pumps are mounted above the pit, making them easier to maintain. Regardless of the type, having a battery backup is essential to ensure the pump continues to work during power outages. It is also helpful to have a sump pump that offers an alarm when water levels getting beyond a certain level. This alerts the homeowner of any potential issues before they become disasters.

4. Dehumidifier

While a drainage system and sump pump can prevent significant water accumulation, controlling humidity is equally important to prevent mold, mildew, and musty odors. Generally,  a basement should have a relative humidity of around 30-50%. A high-capacity dehumidifier designed for basements can effectively reduce moisture levels and keep the air fresh and clean.

When choosing a dehumidifier, it is important to choose one that is self-draining, with automatic shut-off, and can filter the air to remove allergens and mold spores. While it is not necessary for waterproofing, adding an air filtration system to your basement can increase the condition of your basement and home greatly.

5. Airtight Windows

Basement windows can be a source of air and water leaks if not properly sealed. Airtight windows are designed to prevent drafts and water infiltration, providing an additional layer of protection for your basement. Additionally, window well covers are a great way to keep out rainwater.

Professional Waterproofing Services

While DIY waterproofing methods can be effective, there are times when it's best to seek professional help. Professional waterproofing services offer expertise and specialized equipment to address complex waterproofing issues. Some reasons to consider hiring professional waterproofing services include:

• Extensive knowledge and experience: Professionals have the expertise to assess your basement and recommend the most effective waterproofing solutions.
• Quality workmanship: Professionals ensure that waterproofing is done properly to provide long-lasting protection.
• Warranty and guarantee: Many professional waterproofing services offer warranties and guarantees, giving you peace of mind.

By hiring professional waterproofing services, you can trust that your basement will be effectively waterproofed and protected from water damage.

 

Every home and basement are built differently so it is important to that each basement has a customized waterproofing solution that addresses the relevant issues. If you are struggling with your basement flooding or you want to protect your home before an issue arises, schedule a free inspection with one of our System Design Specialists.