Basement Waterproofing Materials and Uses

There can be some big differences in
the materials and the way they're used with

basement
waterproofing systems. The general public
may be able to purchase some, while other
will only be for professionals. Let's assess
the situation and see how we can apply it
to your home.

Basically, you need to keep in mind whre
you reside and the amount of water that
is present. Materials that you can use will
be influenced by the information you collect.

When most people look for basement
waterproofing materials they usually
think of simple sealants. Their basement
has previously had waterproofing done to
it, so they are simply wanting to patch
up some small damp portions. It is easy
to find a sealant that can be used to treat
the concrete once it has been poured, or
indeed the mortar that is found in block
walls. One type of sealant which is recommended
for this is RadonSeal.

You have to coat all of the basement walls
and the floor with sealant or else the water
will still seep in around the edges of the
treated area. As it comes with a limited
20-year guarantee, this product is a practical
option. There is only one issue here and
that is that the sealant, (not only this
one specifically, but with all sealants)basement
waterproofing sealants only protect the
inside of the basement. This means there
could be a number of water pressing against
and through whatever other stuff the basement
walls are created with.

Other avenues will need to be explored
if you have cracks in the wall. Plaster
coating can be used to the existing plaster
if that is what the walls are made from.
All you need to do is chip away any loose
material from around the crack and then
fill the area back up with plaster.

Stitching materials can be used as an alternative
option. Metal staples are used to seal the
cracks preventing or restricting movements.
Any type of cement that is not prone to
shrinkage can then be used to fill up any
cracks.

A form of concrete that is sprayed on called
Gunite can be used for serious cracks in
the walls or floors of the basement. For
this you can hire the needed special spraying
equipment. The mixture ratio must be correct
for the spray to fill any cracks and leave
a smooth finish. Since it sticks to many
different surfaces it makes for a great
option.

Ultimately, it must be remembered that
basement waterproofing materials are not
the final, only or the best solutions. In
addition, you should be making sure there
is as little water as possible getting into
the ground water. Also think about:

- maintaining rain gutters that are in
excellent shape.

- the soil is graded so that it slopes away
from the foundation of the house

- when it is time for grass seeding, clear
trees, foliage and flower beds from your
home's foundation

- filling up driveway cracks

- put in some curtain drains to move water
from the surface away from the base of the
home

- you should install dry wells for rainwater
downspouts no more than 10 feet from your
home.

- placing a sump pump or pumps into service.

- utilizing inside channels to gather water
oozing through the basement walls and course
it to a floor pipe

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