Source: floodtech.ca

How Does Internal Waterproofing Of The Basement Work?

Basement waterproofing is done in two ways, internal waterproofing and exterior waterproofing. Both play a detailed role in waterproofing the basement. Both are side by side and equally helpful.

Difference between internal and external basement waterproofing

The external waterproofing is done through the excavation of the periphery of the house near the foundation. Its primary function is to stop the incoming of the exterior water. This stops all the floods and rainy water on the outside and keeps it away by sloping away from the foundations and basements.

While internal waterproofing means removing water leaked or coming from cracks and residing under the basement floor. It fundamentally uses all of its systematic means to deal with water and moisture arising problems in the basement. It helps in eliminating the interior of contagious water making its way to ruin the foundations of the building.

The function of internal waterproofing

Source: thisoldhouse.com

Internal waterproofing is a complete process, and it takes place through four means.

1. Internal sealing

Whenever any crack, even a hairline or a wider one, is seen in the wall, the first action to manage it is to seal the crack. Robust hydraulic or asphalt-like waterproof coatings are used to emulsify walls.

The cracks are filled with materials, and then waterproof coatings play an essential role in giving a finishing touch to walls. This is a part of internal waterproofing that stops the inside water from damaging the foundation.

2. Internal drainage system

Every basement has its system of drainage pipes used to remove any trickling water coming in the basement. These pipes are designed to push away any leaky water towards the gutters and remove this water from the foundations to the exterior drainage system. Hence it is also a part of the process of stopping internal water from hitting the basement. It is how internal drainage works.

3. Installation of Sump Pump

Source: waterguardplumbing.com

Installing a Sump Pump also comes under internal basement waterproofing. This procedure of installing a Sump Pump means to flush away the water accumulated under the floor in the basement. A pump is plopped under the floor and is famous for removing thousands of gallons of water away from the basement to the pot created away from the house to get rid of the dangerous accumulation of water. It is an essential internal drainage system.

4. Addition of a dehumidifier

Living in a humid atmosphere costs a lot both health-wise and financially. Humidity causes mold or mildew growth to hack the health of living ones in the house. Significant humidity is ridden off by adding a dehumidifier to the basement. This equipment will remove all the moisture in the house, leaving it dry and hot.

Benefits of internal waterproofing

Following the above steps, you complete the process of internal waterproofing of the basement. Here are some of its benefits

  • Insurance Costs Reduce

Nearly one-fifth of all homeowner insurance claims are due to water damage. Basement flooding can cause foundation fractures as well as structural damage to wood, drywall, and other materials, all of which can drive up the cost of claims significantly. Major storms and flooding aren’t the only causes of significant water damage in your basement; a slow leak can create significant structural damage if left ignored. Spending a little amount of money to waterproof your basement can save you a lot of money on insurance claims and help you avoid basement flooding.

  • In-Home Healthier Environment

    Source: branchenvironmental.com

Mold or mildew can appear in a home if there is too much water or too much moisture. Mold not only damages your property, but it also has significant health consequences such as allergies, breathing problems, and even respiratory infections. Remember that mould can grow in concealed corners of your home, where it can be just as deadly. By lowering the moisture level in your basement, you can help avoid mould formation.

  • Protecting the Basement Floor

Concrete floors are typically 3-4 inches thick in most basements. This thin floor is sensitive to groundwater pressure, which might cause the floor to crack. Your basement will be at a significantly higher risk of seepage or major flooding if this happens.

  • Structural Damage Prevention

By influencing the joints and edges where the floors and walls meet, water seepage through the foundation of your home can cause considerable structural damage. Foundation cracks and buckling of the walls and floors are examples of structural problems that might jeopardize the structural integrity of your property. Much of this damage occurs behind the scenes, and it may progress to severe levels before you notice there is a problem. Effective interior waterproofing will keep excess water out of the seams and edges, preventing major structural damage.

  • Improved Insulation

    Source: stackexchange.com

Because of the basement waterproofing, insulation is also one of the most important features that benefit the property. When there is moisture in the basement, walls, and ceilings of a home, cracks emerge, which progressively become larger, and the seepage caused by it becomes too large to repair. As a result, the cooling and heating systems in the house use more energy, lowering the energy efficiency. If the house is watertight from the basement, however, it aids in better insulation.

  • Boosted resale value

The resale value of a home with a watertight basement increases as well. This is owing to the fact that a house with a strong foundation and construction, as well as all of the preventive measures for natural disasters that cause water damage, has a higher probability of lasting longer than expected, resulting in a higher resale value.

  • A more solid foundation

When a house’s foundation is strong, it equates to a structure that will last for the duration of its lifespan. Everything, including your house, is dependent on its foundation, so make sure to reinforce it so that it can last longer without causing any damage.

However, it’s always good to hire basement waterproofing contractors Charleston who can do it effectively.

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