What are basement waterproofing systems and how do they work?

 Let’s take a look at the time and tested waterproofing of basement and how it works.

In case you are curious to know how the basement is built, you will see that the idea was first conceived in the design and then the next steps follow. It starts with the digging of a big hole, then the footer or foundations are laid. After the base is done, the walls of the basement are built and then only the rest of the house is constructed.

 From this list the most vital point is the top one – the vast crater dug in the earth

 The construction of basement walls invariably leaves a void on the exterior which requires backfilling. Loose backfill is what is used to fill this void. No matter how well the backfill is compacted, it is still backfill and water seeks the places of little resistance.

This area is going to have water constantly seeping into it. The conventional way of waterproofing a basement provides some form of drainage pipe for this water to drain away, but the problem with this is that often these pipes get silted up. As the water comes it brings all sorts of suspension with it and that is to be expected as it is natural. Allowing these pipes to fill up, can result in an overload of the system, which can be catastrophic to the basement’s outside walls. If there are crevices in the walls, water will push through even if the basement walls are waterproofed.

 This kind of situation is persistent because the tubes that should drain the excess water eventually deteriorate.

 A huge problem is that often there isn’t access to these pipes. In an attempt to keep excess moisture out basement waterproofing also can be put onto the outer walls of the basement. This is often referred to as a tanked system.

A better basement waterproofing system, such as the drained cavity basement waterproofing system, works by getting rid of the water pressure on the walls. To protect the property water is controlled, collected and then made to pass through hidden drainage channels which are either natural drainage or sump pumps.

Waterproofing a basement is when they are installed internally, have easy access ports for removing silt, and can be installed in basements where other methods have failed.

So to summarise, a good basement waterproofing system will:

 - usually be a permanent or long-term solution
 - stop both ways by which water can enter through the walls and up from the floor
- not disturb landscaping, decks, patios, driveways, etc
- usually be an approved waterproofing method for home loans
- often be substantially cheaper than other waterproofing methods

Choose a reputable basement waterproofer when protecting your home, remember it is economically foolish not to waterproof, because the increased value from waterproofing will definitely exceed the cost of the waterproofing.

In conclusion, you want a basement waterproofing system that will deliver:

 - a permanent or long term fix
- stop water through the floor and walls
- not disturb the exterior appearance of your home
- an approved method by home loan lenders
- more affordable than other methods

Waterproofing your home is an investment in its value.