Basement waterproofing refers to the process of protecting the foundation of a home or an apartment against leaks, cracks, water damage, and other possible flooding emergencies. When water seeps into a basement, it usually destroys the basement structure and makes it unusable for part or all of the house. Waterproofing a basement can involve the application of waterproofing materials, the Installation of drain cleaners and sump pumps, and even more structural materials. The materials involved in waterproofing a basement are as numerous as there are basement waterproofing professionals in the industry.
One of the most common basement waterproofing options involves the use of concrete water proofer. Concrete water proofers or concrete sealants are applied to the interior surface of concrete walls and basement floors. The interior surface of the wall must be smooth and flat for this product to work properly. Once the interior surface of the wall is smooth, it is then sprayed with a dehumidifier and grout.
Another type of basement waterproofing solution involves the application of rubber coating. Rubber coatings are usually applied to both the interior and exterior surfaces of basement walls and floors. The rubber coating is meant to act as a barrier to unwanted moisture. This coating can be made out of an assortment of materials including tar, felt, epoxy, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, and many others. Once this coating has been applied to the foundation of the home, waterproofing is complete. The rubber coating will act as a mold and mildew inhibitor, which will help keep the basement damp free.
Additional basement waterproofing solutions can include installing a ventilation system to rid the home of moisture. It is common for mold to form in damp areas that do not have adequate ventilation systems installed. The vents can be installed throughout the perimeter of the walls, floor, ceiling, and even the foundation of the home. The vents serve to eliminate the moist environment that allows mold and mildew to grow, and at the same time, help drain the water that has collected on the walls and foundation.
Basement waterproofing solutions also include repair kits. Repair kits are designed to fix minor problems in small areas without requiring structural changes to the home. There are basement waterproofing kits available that include repair kits for cracked foundations, mildew, holes in the walls and floors, water damage on the electrical and water supplies lines, as well as mold and mildew growth on basement windows, wood floors, or other exposed areas. These repair kits may also include basement waterproofing products.
A waterproofing agent such as efflorescence is used in many basement waterproofing projects. Efflorescence is basically a chemical that works to seal the concrete and prevent moisture from seeping in. It is a combination of boron, calcium silicate, aluminum oxide, and other chemical compounds. When applied to concrete surfaces, it prevents water from seeping in, while at the same time maintaining its elasticity. If you need more information on what exactly an efflorescence sealer does, then you should contact a professional.