Basements are crucial in homes, offering additional living and recreational space, storage, and utility areas. Today, people are getting creative with their basements and transforming them into guest accommodations, additional bathrooms, kids’ playrooms, TV areas, and home gyms.

While the basement is invaluable in modern homes, water intrusion can be a huge stressor. Due to the basement’s location, it is vulnerable to water infiltration from cracks in the foundation, poor drainage systems, and hydrostatic pressure. 

Water seepage can wreak havoc on your basement and home and cause property and structural damage. It also increases the risk of mold, rot, and pests.  

Basement waterproofing is a lifesaver, shielding your basement from water damage and associated adverse effects. There are numerous basement waterproofing methods to maintain the functionality and aesthetics of your basement. Read on to learn these methods.

Why is Basement Waterproofing Important?

The benefits are enormous, however, you can only enjoy them if the basement is properly fixed. For this reason, you must work with a reliable basement waterproofing Philadelphia based company. 

Here’s a rundown of the benefits of well-done basement waterproofing: 

* Enhance your home’s air quality –mold thrives in high-moisture areas and has adverse health outcomes.

* Increase living space and home value–a moisture-filled basement is inhabitable.

* Prevent basement flooding, which damages flooring and property

* Maintain your property’s structural integrity, thus protecting your investment  

* Lower energy costs by minimizing HVAC use

* Greater peace of mind living in a safe space

Innovative Basement Waterproofing Methods

1. Applying Sealants

Typically, water seeps into your basement through gaps, cracks, and porous concrete, especially in regions with high water tables and poor drainage. While concrete is sturdy and durable, it is porous, thus vulnerable to water intrusion.

Interior sealants are handy for keeping the basement dry and reducing water infiltration and moisture damage. They act as a waterproof barrier on the interior basement walls and floor, preventing water from entering the concrete. These sealants are also ideal for maintaining low atmospheric humidity so your basement walls and floors don’t absorb moisture.

With many interior sealants in the market, choosing the ideal one can be hard. Basement sealers fall into two categories, namely densifiers and waterproofers. Densifiers fill air capillaries and cracks, which facilitate water infiltration, while waterproofers create a watertight seal on a surface. 

Although sealants are suitable for basement waterproofing, they don’t address existing moisture problems.

2. Drainage Systems

They are an effective way of waterproofing your basement and ensuring water does not get into the interior. In this method, a French drain is installed in the perimeter of your basement’s wall to collect water that comes in through the walls and floor and direct it away from the interior.

The collected water is pumped away from the basement and foundation by a sump pump installed in the basement’s lowest point. When the water in the sump pump reaches a certain level, it is discharged to keep your basement dry. Nonetheless, the sump pump requires routine maintenance to function optimally.   

3. Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Exterior basement waterproofing is a good choice for homeowners experiencing basement flooding due to water seepage from outside the foundation walls. It involves excavating the area around your foundation and applying waterproof coatings and membranes to the exterior walls so that water does not enter the basement.  

Polymer-based products are excellent for coating exterior basement walls because of their extended lifespan, and soil pH does not affect them. They act as a barrier between the harsh outside conditions and your basement.  

While this solution can be costly and disruptive, it is a long-lasting remedy for protecting your basement, foundation, and home. It is suitable for homeowners looking for a permanent remedy to water infiltration in the basement and protecting their foundation’s structural integrity.

4. Sealing Cracks

Foundation cracks are a prominent cause of basement water seepage. They worsen with time because of pressure from surrounding soil and inclement weather, intensifying moisture problems in your basement and home.

Moreover,  foundation crack injections help repair foundation wall cracks. In this method, you inject liquid polyurethane or epoxy into cracks to prevent water and moisture penetration. The biggest benefit of foundation crack injections is that they are done from the inside, thus minimally disruptive.

However, it’s important to note that this method works for small cracks that don’t jeopardize a building’s structural integrity. Also, these injections don’t tackle underlying causes of cracks that may require other interventions besides waterproofing.  

5. Pay Attention to Landscaping

A simple but overlooked way to waterproof your basement and prevent water damage is to watch your landscaping. It addresses the source of basement moisture issues and complements waterproofing methods. 

Here are a few ways to care for your landscaping.

• Keep trees, shrubs, and garden plants away from the home’s perimeter –at least 20 feet away. Tree roots can compromise your basement’s structure, increasing the probability of cracks and allowing water in the basement.
• Grade soil away from home to create a slop extending downwards –a 5% slope is ideal.
• Create watertight barriers for basement openings, such as windows, to hold back water.
• Maintain gutters and extend downspouts to divert rainwater from your foundation and basement.

Conclusion

Basements are crucial spaces in a home. Problems with the basement, such as water seepage, affect your home and can result in costly water damage, structural problems, and mold issues. 

Basement waterproofing is an easy and economical way to maintain your home and keep your basement dry and habitable. Save time, money, and stress by waterproofing your basement with the above-mentioned methods. Prevention is cheaper than repair!