Why is basement floor waterproofing so often overlooked, when if it was done when the basement was built, there would be fewer problems with seepage and flooding? Many people think basements are just concrete storage spaces for things you don’t use very often. Now, people realize the potential of this space for something much more such as extra living space, family rooms and bedrooms.
Many homeowners go years without a water problem and then develop one due to the existing sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogging with mud.
If water from the roof is not directed far enough away from the foundation, then the soil becomes too saturated. As the home stabilizes, wall fissures appeared, exterior paintings decayed and the drains filled with sand or silt. Leakage in the basement can be caused by all of these problems. Flowing ground water enters through cracks or other openings in the foundation; moisture in saturated soil enters through solid masonry as well as through cracks and other openings because of the natural pressure the soil exerts against the foundation. A high water level can create a great amount of pressure. In turn this water, under increased pressure, seeks entry through cracks and crevices in the walls and floors, and concrete is no match for water pressure. Without proper preparation, torrential rains could cause flooding in basements or crawlspaces.
A pressure relief system can eliminate water that leaks into your basement. However when the electricity goes out, most likely during a rainstorm, primary pumps cannot work. Pressure builds up over time and moisture is pushed through the wall or floor. (often called bleeding). Usually you’ll find seepage in corners or in joints where the wall meets the floor.
If water seems to be coming in from an isolated area, installing a sump pump below floor level can lower the water table and underground hydrostatic pressure in that area. However, concrete is porous and allows water vapor to pass through. This moisture makes it feel even colder, causes carpet or other floor covering to rot, allows mold to grow, and causes the basement to smell musty.
One solution is to use one of the high-grade sealants that are available on the market for the home-owner. It is often possible to paint them with either the roller or spray method.
Here are some examples of what a regular basement floor waterproofing project might entail:
- first the floor of the area being worked on must be prepared to make it smooth and remove any excess material
- Use large fans and heaters as needed to make sure the basement floor is as dry as it can be.
- You must seal all joints between the walls and floor.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- priming the floor if the product requires use of a primer.
- Use 2 to 3 coats as needed to top coat the floor with the final product.
With a good product you will have a waterproofed basement floor that should last for a number of years. Permaflex is one type of sealant that will give a complete and permanent waterproofing for a basement floor. This indoor waterproofing system claims to permanently seal you lower level floor at considerably less cost than other systems.