Basement Floor Waterproofing Methods

Many basement flooding and seeping problems could have been avoided by waterproofing the basement floor when constructed. A basement can be so much more than just a convenient place for storing junk! The possibility of family rooms having extra space are realized.

After many years drains can become plugged with mud and causes water problems to occur.

The soil will become too wet and saturated if water from the roof isn't directed far away enough from the foundation. As the home settles, walls crack, protective coatings applied to the exterior biodegrades and drainage systems fill up with 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. As water pressure increases, water begins to seep into cracks in the concrete walls and floors. The result is a flooded crawlspace or basement.

If you want to keep hydrostatic water from getting into your home, pressure relief systems will do the job for you. Primary pumps cannot work if the electricity goes out during a rainstorm. Pressure builds up over time and moisture is pushed through the wall or floor. (usually called bleeding). Corners and joints that connect the floor and the wall are the most likely candidates for seepage.

If you think that water is comming out of an isolated area, you can lower the water table and the underground hydrostatic pressure by using an easy-to-install sump pump below your floor table. Water vapor will go right through concrete since it is porous. 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. These can often be painted, rollered or sprayed on.

Here are some examples of what a regular project might entail:

- preparing the floor by removing crumbly or loose material.
- making sure the basement floor is as dry as possible, hiring large fans or heaters if necessary.
- You must seal all joints between the walls and floor.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- Priming the floor when the product calls for the 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.