Basement waterproofing is becoming increasingly popular in Annapolis as homeowners realize the high likelihood that basements will be flooded at some point. Especially living in the Midwest, you know that no one is exempt from disastrous flooding and water damage. Instead of standing ankle-deep in cold water this winter, consider waterproofing your basement. Check out some of our other articles on what basement waterproofing involves. For now, here are a few of our philosophies on the dos and don’ts of waterproofing.
5 Do’s and Don’ts for Basement Waterproofing
DON’T Make Wall Repairs With Standing Water In The Basement.
Waterproofing a basement when there’s water on the floor is like shoveling the driveway while it’s snowing. It seems obvious, but many homeowners try to waterproof their basement when the actual water damage hasn’t even been cleaned up yet. During a rainy or snowy season, a crack in the basement wall can allow a few inches of water in, but before repairing the crack, it’s important to thoroughly check the area for subtle water damage or standing water.
DO Address Window Well Leaks
Window wells are a common source of basement wall leaks because they tend to retain water from poor plumbing systems. Since windows are among the only connections outside in a basement, water can pool around the bottom of a basement window and seep in. By having a professional fill in the racks, the windows can be waterproofed and avoid leaking in the future.
DO Apply A Waterproofing Product To Bare Interior Basement Walls
If a professional determines that water is leaking through your walls, seal interior walls with high-quality waterproof paint. This is different than simply painting over water damage. Waterproof paints repel water and will minimize leakage. This type of sealant comes premixed and goes on just like a coat of paint. It can be brushed or rolled on to fill little surface holes where water may be trapped, creating a dry surface for another coat of paint. This can be found at a hardware store or online. If your walls already have paints on them, be aware that you’ll have to remove the paint before applying a sealer.
DON’T Forget Interior Drainage Solutions
Another method of attaining dry basement walls is to install a simple drainage channel beneath the floor inside the basement. This can be used for homes with more severe water damage problems. The drain is located just inside the basement walls, which is a relatively easy place to reach. Then, new walls are built on the inside of the drain so the original basement walls are not visible. This is another job for a foundation contractor or waterproofing professional. When it’s done, you’ll have fresh, dry walls, and any residual water that seeps through the old basement walls will be directed to the drain channel and pumped away. This process is convenient, because it only involves adding a few extra walls rather than excavating and repairing the old walls. It’s a great option for older homes that need a little facelift.
DO Remember To Call A Professional
Waterproofing any part of your home can be a long and arduous process. If the steps are unfamiliar to you, it may seem like you’re biting off more than you can chew. Let professionals in Annapolis handle the waterproofing. We have a fantastic team of professionals that have waterproofed enough basements to guarantee the success of yours. Give us a call today if you’re considering waterproofing your basement before winter and want the best waterproofing options.
