Five Keys to have Best Basement wall water Proofing
James K. Brouk Basements can be extremely difficult to waterproof. All of the water in your home tends to seep into the basement, thanks to piping and gravity. However, with good tools and materials, you can keep your basement dry and free of mould. Just follow these five keys, and you’ll be on your way there. Patch it up The first thing you need to do when waterproofing your basement is to patch up all the cracks and holes you can find. Some epoxies are good for waterproofing. The first major key in waterproofing your wall is to open the cracks a bit wider before you apply any sealant or epoxy. Don’t make them so wide that you risk breaking your wall. Just follow the contours of the cracks, and you’ll be okay. It might be a good idea to use a hand chisel for this type of work. Then it is time to put on the sealant. Epoxy is one of the best types to use on walls. Make sure you put in as much epoxy as you can, and fill up the holes you made completely. Cover the entire crack, and make sure no air is left inside. This is the second key to good basement water proofing. Gently smooth out the epoxy with a trowel, and push it lightly into the cracks to get rid of air bubbles. Let the epoxy dry for a day, and you’ll be ready for the waterproofing membrane. Take cover There are generally two types of waterproof coating for homes: liquid and sheet. It is up to you to choose which type to choose, but choosing your membrane wisely is the third key. Liquid waterproofing membranes are applied using a brush. The most common types take at least a day to dry, and you will need to apply more than one coat. It is also important to cover every surface with the membrane, to ensure full waterproofing. This is the fourth key, whichever type of membrane you use. But even when appliet evenly, liquid membranes run the risk of cracking. Sheet type membranes are applied directly onto the walls. Their application depends on the brand. Some require pressure to apply the membrane onto the walls, while others require a separate sealant. But almost all sheet-type membranes need the walls to be sanded, cleaned and primed, which may incur some more expenses. No single type is better for all houses, but one type may be best for your own. Keep water out But to keep the water away from your basement, the fifth key is to have good drainage in your basement. You might want to install a drain in the floor if water tends to gather in your basement. It also might be good to place epoxy near the corners of the floor, to plug any water leaks that may dig through the joints between the floor and walls. Follow these five keys, and you’re well on your way to have a snug, waterproof basement.
James K. Brouk is a writer who researches the best methods of house and basement wall water
proofing. He also discusses the best types of waterproof coating and wall epoxies for houses and businesses.