Waterproofing your basement can be done by yourself.
A large percentage of homeowners who have basements also experience water leaks, so it’s no surprise that there is a huge demand for do it yourself basement waterproofing information and products.
The first thing to examine is the reason why basements are affected so much by water seepage and flooding. Serious basement problems due to excess moisture many times cause numerous problems to the basement structurally, as well as limit space, and ruin and or destroy furniture and furnishings.
Basements are basically built into a large hole that’s been dug out of the ground. After the floor and walls of the basement are finished, loose soil is used to fill in the rest of the hole. The loose soil around the basement provides the least resistance to water and it will use this path to seep into that area. Though it might take a few years, it is eminent that there will be a build-up of water around and under your basement.
Hydrostatic pressure is created by this on the basement walls and floors. This often attacks the outside membrane or protective coating, and/or water finds its way through tiny cracks or larger structural cracks. This sometimes happens even with systems that are designed to remove water away from the building because pipes get blocked with silt or heavy rainfalls overload the system.
This is when many people decide to try DIY basement waterproofing in an attempt to avoid the expense of having the basement competely dug up and re-done. Many people solve the problem by using sealants and similar products inside on the floor and walls.
A typical project might involve:
- typical projects involve removing loose material to prepare walls
- remove any previous repair material or foreign material.
- make sure the basement is as dry as possible, hire heaters or large fans if necessary.
- prime walls and floor if the product requires use of a primer.
- patch any particularly noticeable flaws, gaps, seams or joints.
- a 1″ bead of sealant is used on the wall and floor junctions.
- using 2 or 3 coats to top-coat all surfaces
There’s nothing more to it. If the product is a good one you will have a sealed basement that should last for a number of years. The best sealants, such as PermaFlex are assumed to be comprehensive, one-time, solutions for the waterproofing indoor basements. The quote says that it is the only waterproofing system which totally seals any basement for all times. It could be very wet and deteriorated though. It can then be brushed, rolled over or even be sprayed on.
A complete solution would cost the average homeowner hundreds of Dollars for a good-sized basement rather than thousands, is perfect for do it yourself basement waterproofing and is a great budget-conscious solution for a common and potentially expensive problem.
Related posts: