5 Ways to Carry Out Basement Waterproofing

One action you can take to protect the value of your home is basement waterproofing. As opposed to what many homeowners do (waiting until their basement to start leaking so that they can think about waterproofing it), it is recommended to keep your basement always waterproof to avoid the effects caused by a leaky basement.

A wet basement can make your home uncomfortable to live, especially when it starts to produce a bad odour. Besides that, if the issue is not corrected immediately, it affects the structural integrity of your home and can result in more adverse effects. Wet basement also endangers the health of any person living in your home. Here are five sure ways to achieve basement waterproofing. Take a look.

1. Gutter Extensions.

One of the main causes of the wet basement is downspouts. If you find out that your downspouts are pouring water less than five feet from the foundation of your home, you should add metal or plastic gutter extensions so that it can pour water far away from the foundation.

However, adding extensions is not the most effective way of basement waterproofing, especially if you have to interfere with them with your lawnmower. As such, you may consider perm underground drain pipes. These ones are invisible and move large amounts of gutter water much further away from your home foundation.

The downpour coming from the gutters might seem inconsequential, but when this happens for a long time, the soil near the foundation absorbs water, and this water finally starts to infiltrate into your basement through small cracks.

2. Plug Holes.

If you notice water getting into your basement via small cracks around the drain, you can treat the opening yourself using polyurethane seal or hydraulic cement. This will cost you less than $20.

However, note that plugs are only effective when the issue is a crack that water comes through, either from moist soil or surface water. However, if the water is emanating from the cracks on the floor or the corners where the walls and floor meet, the issue is underground water and utilising plugs will not be a wise idea. That is why it is essential to know the source of the leak so that you can choose an appropriate method of waterproofing Toronto.

3. Reinstate The Crown.

If you have already plugged the cracks and gaps, and your gutters are functioning well and pouring water where it is supposed to be poured, but you still find out that water is still dribbling into your foundation from high areas on the walls, you should know that surface water is not draining far from your basement as it is intended to.

The rule of the thumb is that your structure should settle on a ‘crown’ of the area that has a sloping of at least 7 inches for the first ten feet.

Over time, due to erosion the soil surrounding the foundation of your home rests. You can take it back to its original position using a shovel.

4. Redesign The Landscape.

You might be wondering how basement waterproofing is connected with landscaping. Well, because your home sides slightly overlap the foundation creating a crown may bring soil that termites and rot may find comfort in. So, keeping a distance of six inches is recommended. In this case, build up a berm or a wide and shallow ditch. All these are landscape structures that divert water to other areas before it gets to the house.

Berms for small areas will cost you a few dollars. However, for bigger areas, berms don’t make sense since you will have to trunk a lot of soil. So, swales are recommended for expansive areas. This will cost you about $1000. Once the swales and berms are constructed, they will add to the attractiveness of your landscaping.

5. Patch-up Footing Drains.

Basement waterproofing also encompasses repairing of foot drains. This solution is effective if a wet basement is as a result of hydrostatic pressure from the underground. You need to check if there are footing drains installed in your home. Check them for clogging. If they are blocked, take out the cover of the cleanout and clean the clogs using a garden hose. In case that is not effective, call a plumber, and for just $600, he will accomplish this work.