There’s a reason that waterproofing is one of the most popular home improvement projects, and it doesn’t take much time to see why. Water in your basement can lead to costly repairs, mold growth, and even structural damage if left unchecked. You may not want to waterproof your basement, but it is a must if you have a leaky or wet basement. Your basement walls are porous, and waterproofing them is the only way to keep your basement from being a safety hazard.
The type of waterproofing Pittsburg you choose will depend on the water source and how much is getting in. Below are 11 ways to waterproof your basement, ensuring that any moisture problems will be taken care of quickly so that mold does not have a chance to grow and damage your home.
Seal Cracks and Holes
The first step in waterproofing your basement is to seal any cracks or holes that may be letting water in. This can be done with a waterproof sealant or caulk. Unsealed cracks can let in water from rain, snow, or even the ground itself. Sealing basement walls with a high-grade sealant is crucial to keeping your basement from leaking.
Install a Sump Pump
If you have water coming in through the floor, installing a sump pump is an excellent way to waterproof your basement. Sump pumps collect and remove any water that accumulates in the basement, sending it outside the home to ensure that the water does not become a problem again.
A Pittsburgh waterproofing contractor can install a sump pump for you and check to see if it is working correctly once all else has been waterproofed.
Check for Leaks Around Pipes, Fixtures, and Doors
Water can also come in through leaks around pipes, fixtures, and doors in your house. These areas should be waterproofed to ensure that they do not mold growth. To waterproof these areas, use a waterproofing caulk or buy a waterproof sealant that is made to be used with standard fixtures and appliances. Do not waterproof around any electrical outlets or switches since they can become hazardous when submerged in water.
Wet basements can also be a fire hazard, so it is essential to consider this when waterproofing your basement.
Check for Leaks in the Foundation Wall
Leaks may also happen along the foundation wall. Installing a drainage system along the foundation wall can help get rid of excess water seeping in through cracks or holes. To do this, install gutters around the outside of your basement walls and connect them with PVC piping that will lead the extra water away from your home. Also, basement floor slabs can have cracks that allow water to seep in. Waterproofing the floor slab on your basement will help to ensure that these leaks are sealed uptight.
Check Basement Floor, Windows, and Doors
Basement floors, windows, and doors must be waterproofed to ensure that they will not lead to leaks in the basement. This can be done by applying a sealant or caulk. Use only caulks, and sealants made for use on your type of flooring, and you should also test them in an inconspicuous area before using them everywhere. Ensure that the basement windows and doors are properly sealed and insulated to keep the cold out and the moisture in.
Waterproofing Pittsburgh contractors can install window insulation kits so that your basement windows are no longer an area of concern.
Install a French Drain System
If you have a lot of water coming in through the ground, installing a French drain Pittsburgh system may be the best way to waterproof your basement. A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and drains water away from home. This can be installed along the side of your house or around the foundation.
Divert Rainwater Away from the Home
If you have gutters surrounding your house, they can be connected to a drainage system that leads water away from the foundation. Waterproofing contractors best install gutters because of the dangers involved with climbing on roofs. The gutters should lead to either another drainage system or directly down the side of your house to keep the water away from your foundation.
Install a Sump Basin
If you have a drainage system in place, installing a sump basin can help to keep it functioning properly. A sump basin is a small storage container that catches any water drained from the home. This will help keep your drainage system clear and prevent it from backing up.
Raise the Grade of Your Yard
If you have a lot of water infiltration, one way to help stop it is to raise the grade of your yard. This can be done by adding dirt, gravel, or rocks to the area around your house. This will help to keep the water from seeping in and will also help to prevent flooding. Coldwater pipes should not be covered with gravel or rocks since this can cause them to freeze during the winter.
Waterproof the Exterior of Your Home
If you are having problems with water infiltration, waterproofing the exterior of your home may be the best solution. A professional waterproofing contractor can apply a coat of waterproofing material to the outside of your house that will help to keep the water out. This will also help to protect your home from weather damage.
Hire Professionals for Waterproofing
Of course, you can always hire a professional waterproofing contractor to install all systems that keep water away from your home. They will be able to find the source of the problem and correct it so that you do not have to worry about dealing with any wet basement problems in the future.
Waterproofing Pittsburgh contractors can help you keep your basement dry and free of water infiltration problems!