Waterproofing your basement can be done by yourself.
September 22, 2009
Most homeowners will often have water leaks in their basements, if they have one, so it is almost a guarantee that they will look to purchase basement waterproofing products and gather information on how to best resolve their leaks.
The first thing to examine is the reason why basements are affected so much by water seepage and flooding. Excess moisture in your basement not only limits your use of the space but it also can cause a number of serious problems structurally as well as ruin or destroy furniture and furnishings.
Basements are basically built into a large hole that’s been dug out of the ground. Once the walls and floor of the basement are built, the remainder of the hole is filled in with effectively, loose soil, even if it’s compacted afterwards. The loose dirt surrounding your basement alows the water to flow easily. Though it might take a few years, it is eminent that there will be a build-up of water around and under your basement.
This creates hydrostatic pressure on the basement walls and floor. This often attacks the outside membrane or protective coating, and/or water finds its way through tiny cracks or larger structural cracks. This sometimes happens even with systems that are designed to remove water away from the building because pipes get blocked with silt or heavy rainfalls overload the system.
This is when most people decide to turn their project into a do-it-yourself basement waterproofing project rather than have someone excavate and re-do it professionally and, usually, at great financial cost. Many people solve the problem by using sealants and similar products inside on the floor and walls.
A typical project might involve:
- typical projects involve removing loose material to prepare walls
- previous repair or foreign material must be removed.
- heaters and large fans can be used to ensure that your basement is as dry as it can be.
- primer is used to prime the walls and floor if needed.
- patch any particularly noticeable flaws, gaps, seams or joints.
- wall/floor junctions may require a 1″ bead of sealant.
- using 2 or 3 coats to top-coat all surfaces
There’s nothing more to it. If the product is a good one you will have a sealed basement that should last for a number of years. The best sealants, such as PermaFlex are assumed to be comprehensive, one-time, solutions for the waterproofing indoor basements. The quote says that it is the only waterproofing system which totally seals any basement for all times. It could be very wet and deteriorated though. It can then be brushed, rolled over or even be sprayed on.
A full solution would cost homeowners a fraction of the cost and is perfect for do-it-yourself basement waterproofing. It’s also a wonderful solution for those with budget concerns with common and often expensive problems.
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