Waterproofing the foundation of your home is the best way to prevent water from entering the basement. Basement waterproofing is divided into two main areas, interior basement waterproofing and exterior basement waterproofing. In this article we will discuss exterior basement waterproofing.
Exterior basement waterproofing involves adopting a series of waterproofing procedures on the exterior of the house to prevent water from entering the basement wall. It is usually done during the construction of a new house, but older houses can be waterproofed by digging up the foundation.
Here are some ways to help prevent water from entering your basement:
–Seal foundation walls– Sealing the foundation of your house with a good waterproofing material is the best way to prevent water seepage. The siding on these materials usually fades over time, so it’s important to make sure you regularly inspect your exterior walls to see if they need to be replaced. Buy the best sealer available in the market and take the services of a professional to apply the coating.
–crack repair– If you want a dry basement, it is important not to leave any of the cracks open. Some cracks that are visible inside the basement often continue through the foundation to show up outside as well. For a lasting effect, these cracks must be filled at both ends. You can inject the cracks with epoxy to repair them. All cracks and inconsistencies in the foundation wall must be repaired before waterproofing the area.
–Install an external drainage system– Another way to waterproof your basement externally is to dig up the soil next to the basement walls and install drainage pipes along the wall. This will help divert water away from the walls. This solution works best for exterior walls that are below ground level.
–Parking lot– This process consists of applying a thin layer of mortar on the concrete. This helps keep the foundation walls smooth and helps fill in voids, gaps and holes, thus creating a more solid and stable surface.
–Correct terrain slopes– Correcting the slopes of the land surrounding the walls will reduce the chances of water logging. The floor should slope at a distance of 5 feet from the exterior walls of the basement.
The solutions mentioned above protect your foundation from moisture and prevent water from getting through your basement walls. Selecting the right exterior basement waterproofing solution is very important in keeping your home’s foundation healthy and strong.