Even if your basement has never had water problems before, there’s still a possibility that it might in the future. Basements often deal with dampness and flooding issues. Water can seep in through cracks in your basement windows, foundation, or walls, leading to problems like ruined carpets, unpleasant smells, foundation damage, and the growth of mould. Making your basement waterproof is crucial for safeguarding your home from water damage. It’s the first thing to do when you want to finish your basement. Experienced waterproofing or basement contractors can check your home and suggest the best plan. Waterproofing prevents water from getting into your basement, keeping it dry no matter the weather. A dry basement means more living space and stability for your home. There are various ways to keep your basement dry, including both inside and outside methods. Understanding how basements get wet is key to keeping yours dry.
Why Does Your Basement Need to Be Dry?
It’s crucial to have a dry basement to protect your house’s structure and keep your stuff, like furniture and valuables, safe. A dry basement also lets you add more living space. If you want to turn your basement into a guest bedroom, home office, or rental apartment, it has to be dry so you can put up ceilings, walls, floors, and set up plumbing and electrical systems.
Even if you’re not planning to redo your basement, it’s still important to keep it dry. Moisture can damage the materials that make up your home, including things that are crucial for its strength. Mould and mildew can also grow, and while not all moulds are harmful, some can generate mycotoxins that are bad for your health. A damp basement smells bad and isn’t pleasant. Having a dry basement gets rid of the things that make the air inside not good for you.
Understanding the Causes Behind a Wet Basement
Basements can become wet because of things inside or outside your home. Inside, it might be because of water collecting from things like leaky pipes or condensation. Outside, it could be because of bad drainage or groundwater. Knowing what usually makes basements wet is the first thing to do to stop it from happening. Here are seven reasons why your basement might be getting wet:
- Poorly Graded Soil:If the ground near your house is flat or slopes towards the house, water can run along the foundation and seep into the house. Incorrect grading around your home may lead to water collecting near the foundation, exerting pressure on basement walls. Adjust the grading to ensure water flows away from the house.
- Interior Condensation: Too much moisture in your home can cause condensation on cooler surfaces in the basement, making it damp. Make sure there’s good air circulation, use dehumidifiersto remove extra moisture if needed, and think about making your basement walls waterproof.
- Poor Drainage:Poor drainage is a big reason why basements get wet. Make sure your gutters are not clogged and guide water away from the foundation using downspouts and the right grading.
- Blocked French Drains:French drains are underground drainage systems that might get clogged with soil or roots.
- Faulty Basement Windows:Windows below the ground level can let in water if they’re not sealed well or if the window wells aren’t good enough. Check and take care of your basement windows on a regular basis to make sure they are sealed right and the window wells work well.
- Structural Cracks:Even tiny cracks in your basement’s foundation can let water in. Check your foundation at regular intervals for any cracks and quickly seal them with waterproof material.
- Plumbing Issues:If there are pipes that are leaking or plumbing that is not working right near or under your basement, it can make the place too wet. Look for any indications of water leaks in your plumbing and address them quickly.
How to Do Basement Waterproofing
There are different ways to make sure water doesn’t flood your basement and reduce the risks of dampness. The most crucial part is figuring out why it’s leaking or getting wet. Once you know that, you can choose the best method to waterproof your basement. Now, let’s look at the top ways to waterproof your basement:
Interior Basement Waterproofing
Keeping a basement dry from the inside is like the backup plan. It’s the final thing you do before water gets inside your home. Even though you might wish you never have to use these methods, it’s smart to have them for the best protection. Some important interior basement waterproofing methods include:
Interior Sealants and Waterproof Coatings: Applying interior sealants and waterproof coatings to the basement walls can create a barrier against moisture. These products are designed to penetrate the porous surfaces of concrete, blocking water from seeping through. Ensure that the walls are clean and dry before applying these sealants for optimal effectiveness.
Interior French Drains: A French drain inside your basement is like a trench in the floor. It helps water move to a special pit called a sump basin. These drains involve installing a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel along the interior perimeter of the basement. It takes water away from different areas in the basement and sends it to the sump pump pit. From there, the sump pump pushes the water outside. This drain gathers water and sends it away from the basement foundation, keeping it from causing harm. French drains work well in situations where the water source is seepage through the walls or floor.
Dehumidifiers: If the humidity in your basement is over 50 percent, it’s probably too much. It’s better if it stays between 30 and 50 percent. You can use machines called dehumidifiers to take out the extra moisture in the air. Most dehumidifiers can remove about 30 to 60 pints of water from the air each day.
Sump Pump Installation: Sump pumps are often found in basements in Sydney that have issues with groundwater intrusion. They can also help get rid of floods inside the basement. A sump pump is an important part of many systems that keep the basement dry. It’s usually put in a designated pit in the basement floor. When water collects in the pit, the sump pump turns on and moves the water away from the foundation.
Epoxy Injection for Foundation Cracks: Cracks in basement walls are often where water gets in. Epoxy injection is a way to fix and waterproof these cracks. A special epoxy is put into the cracks, closing them up and stopping water from getting in.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing
While you might notice things like mould, peeling paint, and dry rot inside, things outside often add to the problem. When you’re making your basement in Sydney waterproof, be sure to check your drains and gutters for leaks that can make water flow towards your home. Some important ways to waterproof the outside of your basement include:
Exterior Foundation Wall Sealing: You can stop water from getting into basement walls by using a liquid synthetic coating, solid bentonite sheets, or synthetic sheet membrane. To add more protection from moisture, you can also put a special cementitious coating on the outside of the basement walls. To seal the outside of the foundation, you need to dig out the soil next to the foundation wall all the way down. You might also put drain tile at the bottom of the trench to improve drainage.
Carry Out Yard Grading for Water Diversion: To redirect water away from the foundation and basement, homeowners can grade the yard. Using a shovel, wheelbarrow, and extra fill dirt, this task can be completed in a day or two.
Install or Enhance Gutters: To prevent water from reaching the foundation and basement, it’s important to consider gutters. Gutters collect rainwater from the roof and guide it away from the foundation and basement. Make sure water is managed well by adding new gutters or making the ones you have better. Gutters that work well send rainwater away from the foundation, an important part of waterproofing the basement from the outside.
External French Drain Installation: To make the outside of your basement more waterproof, consider adding an external French drain. This drainage system is like a ditch lined with stones, a pipe with holes, and a weed-block fabric. French drains are good at catching and moving subsurface water, making sure it stays away from the foundation and minimises the chances of moisture problems in the basement. When water goes into the ditch, it goes through the pipe and gets carried away from the house and basement. French drains are ideal for yards where water collects and moves towards the walls of the basement.
Benefits of Waterproofing Your Basement
Explore the numerous advantages that come with waterproofing your basement. Here are some of the key benefits you won’t want to miss:
Better Protection from Flooding
If a pipe breaks or rainwater comes towards your property, your basement is the place that could get flooded. While this is the worst thing that could happen, waterproofing your basement will keep it safe from flooding.
Prevents Mould Growth
A major reason to waterproof your basement is to stop mould from growing in your home. If your home has too much moisture, mould can grow and spread. Waterproofing prevents excess water from getting in, reducing the risk of mould infestation. Mould can make sinuses irritated and cause allergies, so waterproofing your basement might also keep health problems from getting worse.
More Space
Waterproofing your basement is great because it creates more living space for you. Whether you want an extra bedroom, workout area, or office, waterproofing can make that happen. It stops water and mould, making your basement a perfect spot for relaxation or fun. If you’re running out of space in your home, you can expand it easily by waterproofing your basement. Then, you can use the room just like any other area in your home.
Reduces Energy Costs
Waterproofing your basement can actually help you save on energy expenses. By sealing up any cracks, you prevent cold air from entering during colder months, making your home more energy-efficient. Additionally, in warmer seasons, waterproofing prevents excess moisture from entering, reducing the strain on your air conditioner. This not only keeps your home comfortable but also contributes to lower energy bills.
Increases Resale Value
If you plan to sell your home soon, making sure your basement is waterproofed can make your home more valuable. Potential buyers often prefer homes with waterproofed basements, as they don’t want to undertake such projects themselves. If you get it done now, selling your property will be easier, and you might get a higher price for it.
How Much Does Waterproofing a Basement Cost?
The price of waterproofing your basement in Sydney can change based on factors like your basement’s size and the type of waterproofing you pick. If you’re worried about the cost, get help from reliable waterproofing or basement contractors. They can assist you in finding the best and affordable solution for your home. When it comes to waterproofing basement costs, it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits. Investing in quality waterproofing now can save you money in potential future repairs and maintenance, making it a wise decision for both your home’s value and your peace of mind.
Some Final Thoughts
Whether you’re thinking about using your basement for more living space or just making sure your home’s foundation stays strong, having a dry basement is really important. It helps your home last longer and prevents serious damage from occurring over time. When your basement is dry, the rest of your home stays in good shape. Fixing these waterproofing issues in the basement needs special tools and know-how, so it’s smart to talk to an expert for help or advice.