When you have a basement, one of the biggest maintenance issues is ensuring that the basement doesn't leak. This is usually not something you can do on your own, as there are numerous areas in your basement that need sealing, and some of those areas are so small that you may not have the trained eye to spot them. So if you're about to hire a contractor to do the work, here are some important things to know about waterproofing your basement.
The Best Method Is Installing Drainage -- When it comes to waterproofing your basement, the most secure method that guards against future water seepage is the drainage method. In this method, a contractor will install a drainage system outside your basement that is designed to divert water away from your basement walls and into a sump pump that directs the water into your yard. The function of this drainage system is similar to the gutters and waterspouts installed on your roof to draw rainwater away from your attic and walls. And while the drainage system is very effective, it is also the most costly basement waterproofing method, because a contractor has to dig deep into your foundation in order to set up the system, which also means handling your pipes, resulting in hours of labour time.
Another Common Method Is the Use of Epoxy -- If drainage isn't an option due to budget or foundation issues, a contractor (such as Australian Waterproofing Company) may opt to try the epoxy waterproof method. Epoxy is a strong adhesive that has similar properties to glue but is used much like caulking to fill in all cracks and holes in the exterior walls of your basement. By sealing these cracks and holes, the contractor hopes to prevent water from seeping through your walls and into the basement. Epoxy is highly effective when used on concrete walls, but is not recommended on brick, stone or brick veneer as it doesn't seal well on those surfaces.
Sealing the Inside Walls Can Also Be Effective -- If you can't afford the drainage method, and you don't have concrete walls to use epoxy, a contractor can use an indoor sealant on your basement walls as a waterproofing method. Sealants are either penetrating or topical sealants, with the difference being that penetrating sealant will seep into walls to a depth of 10 centimetres, whereas topical sealants only go about 5 centimetres deep. Topical sealants are water-based, which is why they don't reach the same depth as penetrating sealants, which are oil-based, thicker and more powerful. However, oil-based sealants are made with toxic material, which isn't the case with water-based sealants.
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