The foundation of a structure is the first part of it that is built. It is usually underground and is where most of the pipes run to connect into the main water supply. It is also where the furnaces and sump pumps are located. Usually, these areas or rooms built directly above the foundation are used as basements or cellars.
Sometimes, the basement floor and walls can get cracks and holes from decaying construction materials and faulty installation. Because it is underground and a lot of water pipes run through it, the basement is prone to water leaks and moisture. The basement should be properly waterproofed to avoid any uncertain water damage to the structure. Remember that the basement is part of the foundation, and needing to repair or renovate it can risk the strength and stability of the house.
In order to prevent basement leakage or moisture, there are many waterproofing products that have been formulated and manufactured. Most of these products are patented and have different waterproofing methods and procedures, but they are all useful. Sometimes it is difficult to find the right waterproofing product for your home because there are some houses that are really sensitive to water seepage and can accumulate wetness immediately. But there is no need to worry because there are many products available in the market that you can choose from.
There are three systems of basement waterproofing. These are the tanking system, cavity drainage, and exterior foundation drain. The tanking system is bound to the basement structure and physically holds back ground water. Cavity drainage makes us of dimpled plastic membranes that line the walls and floors of the basement and diverts any water to a sump pump, preventing it from remaining in the basement. The exterior foundation drain is the most effective, applying waterproofing on the outside to ultimately prevent the seepage of water. It used gravity to lead water away from the basement structure.
Some waterproofing products are made especially for water leakage solutions. They include baseboards that collect water from the area of basement leakage. Usually, they use adhesives and joints to install the boards. Some boards can be made of PVC or stainless steel.
Other products can be after or before water leakage, like primers. Primers are liquid rubber coating that can be used like paint. It adds an aesthetic factor to the basement while waterproofing it at the same time. However, primers cannot be used by themselves. Usually, the first layer of primer is coated with a liquid rubber base and a thickening activator, and is then finally coated once more with a primer. Primers are easier to use and have more effective results than other waterproofing methods.
Other interior and exterior waterproofing products are also similar to paint but can be applied on wet areas and are mixed with water. Sump pumps are also tools for waterproofing basements as they collect the accumulated water in the basement areas. Dehumidifiers are also useful for absorbing moisture as well as unpleasant odors in the basement. They prevent excessive moisture and wetness to affect the basement.
All these products are effective waterproofing materials that can prevent water leakage in the basement as well as keep the basement dry and far from water damage and molds. It is important to apply a waterproofing system to your basement and maintain its quality and effectiveness in order to keep the basement from unwanted destruction or deterioration. If your basement is not yet waterproofed, better call a house repair or construction service to apply a waterproofing system in your home. That way, you are secure and confident that your home is safe from water damage and leakage.