Why is basement floor waterproofing so often overlooked, when if it was done when the basement was built, there would be fewer problems with seepage and flooding? Many people think basements are just concrete storage spaces for things you don’t use very often. These days, many individuals recognize that such an area can be used for other things besides more bedrooms, living rooms and dens.
Water situation was not encountered in the beginning by homeowners, but it later appeared because sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogged with mud.
The soil will become too wet and saturated if water from the roof isn’t directed far away enough from the foundation. As the home stabilizes, wall fissures appeared, exterior paintings decayed and the drains filled with sand or silt. Leakage in the basement can be caused by all of these problems. Flowing ground water enters through cracks or other openings in the foundation; moisture in saturated soil enters through solid masonry as well as through cracks and other openings because of the natural pressure the soil exerts against the foundation. The level of pressure is positively correlated with the height of the water level. In turn this water, under increased pressure, seeks entry through cracks and crevices in the walls and floors, and concrete is no match for water pressure. Without proper preparation, torrential rains could cause flooding in basements or crawlspaces.
Pressure relief systems are a good way to prevent hydrostatic water from entering your home. However when the electricity goes out, most likely during a rainstorm, primary pumps cannot work. Over time this pressure increases until the moisture is literally pushed through the floor or wall (sometimes termed bleeding). Seepage is often found where the wall meets the floor around the corners and joints.
If water seems to be coming in from an isolated area, installing a sump pump below floor level can lower the water table and underground hydrostatic pressure in that area. Water vapor will go right through concrete since it is porous. A wet or damp basement due to excessive moisture will cause carpeting to rot, allows mold to grow and makes the basement smell musty.
One solution is to use one of the high-grade sealants that are available on the market for the home-owner. Frequently, they can be applied with a brush, roller or spray can.
Here are some examples of what a regular basement floor waterproofing project might entail:
- preparing the floor by removing crumbly or loose material.
- Use large fans and heaters as needed to make sure the basement floor is as dry as it can be.
- making sure wall/floor junctions are sealed.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- priming the floor if the product requires use of a primer.
- top-coating floor with the final product, using 2 or 3 coats as appropriate.
A high quality product will result in basement floor waterproofing that can last for years and years. Permaflex is one type of sealant that will give a complete and permanent waterproofing for a basement floor. This is arguably the only waterproofing system that is suitable for indoor use that will result in the complete sealing of a basement floor, no matter what sort of state it might be in. And it is considerably cheaper than other type of work as it does not involve pipes or pumps!