Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing for homes are simple processes. But in the cases of high-rise buildings of several underground floor- basements, usually used as motor vehicles garage areas, the processes become very much complicated.
Basement waterproofing can be done during construction of the building or after it has been finished. During construction, for residential homes and other small structures, the concrete materials of the walls and floors of the basement are mixed with a waterproofing compound to make them non porous to water penetrations. Ninety percent of home basement leaks are usually thru the portion where the walls meet the floors. There are sealers made of non- corrosive materials and sealants for these purpose available in the market. And also sometimes, temporary “weep holes” are bored on the basement walls to removed trapped water on the exterior part of the wall.
Waterproofing sealants evolved from asphalt-based to polymer based compounds. Asphalt based sealant has a life span of 10 to 20 years; while polymer based effectiveness extend up to the whole life time of the building. This is a big advancement in the field of basement waterproofing; and also an incentive for home owners to improve on their basements’ existing waterproofing system.
But in cases of multi- level underground basement floors of high-rise buildings, simple application of water sealant compounds will not be sufficient to do the job. Complicated combinations of sealants, drainage and sump pumps are necessary to do the job.
After construction, defects that resulted from poor waterproofing methods can still be corrected. Waterproofing compounds and membranes are laid on the surfaces of walls and floors affected by the seepages. For extra- large basements, after-construction remedial measures are necessary, not just to remedy flooding, but also to anticipate possible problems.
There are three major methods of basement waterproofing.
1. Use of interior sealants to prevent seepage of water thru cracks and porous walls. This is the simplest method in basement waterproofing process. It will solve small and simple water leaks.
2. Use of interior drainage system- this is not strictly waterproofing method; but it will help minimize internal damage in cases of uncontrolled water flooding. And this is a must for large multi- level underground basement structures. This drainage system is usually coupled with several sump pumps.
3. Exterior waterproofing thru the use of water sealants and drainage systems. Relocating roof downspouts farther away from basement walls. And also correcting slopes of grounds around basement area so rain and flood water will flow away from basement area.