Basement waterproofing is very essential for all homeowners to ensure the long-lasting value of their house. It helps prolong the lifespan of your property by stopping and preventing the inflow of water into your property. This makes it a worthy investment for all homeowners.
Waterproofing your basement can be easily done by yourself to fix leakages. You don’t have to break the bank to do one. However, the earlier you fix the cracks and leaks, the better. Look for trusted waterproofing services cumberland pa and fix your cracks and leaks asap.
Nevertheless, if you plan to fix your basement leaks to make it waterproof, you are at the right corner. Read on! You’ll find Do-it-yourself tips to make your basement waterproof.
1. Redirect water away from your foundation
One of the most important factors to help waterproof your basement is your land gradient. If your land slopes towards the foundation of your house, your basement will most likely be wet, especially during rainfalls and water runoffs from lawns around.
Therefore, you need to grade your yard and make sure and ensure proper drainage. You can also dig up dirt and soil around your house to raise the soil around it. This will reduce the rate at which water settles around the foundation, which in turn reduces the chance of seeping.
2. Fill cracks and gaps
Once you notice water dripping through gaps in the wall or on the ground, you need to seal them up. Hydraulic cement is a sealant popularly used for this role, as it contains some additives which aid the adhesion and expansion of cement. When you apply the sealant, it moves into the cracks and prevents water from coming in
3. Apply a masonry waterproofing product to the walls
If the water is seeping through gaps and not dripping yet, you need to locate the exact place where the water is coming through, so you can block it. Once found, peel off the existing paint on the surface and seal it off with a suitable masonry waterproof product. Don’t be stingy with it, apply as much as you can. When the paint dries, it forms a bond on the wall which stops water from seeping through.
4. Add or upgrade gutters or downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are essential additions to your house that can help transport rain and waste away from your house. If you don’t have one, you might consider having it built into your house as it can help reduce water pressure around your apartment. If you have one, consider clearing it to make room for more water. You can also fasten the downspouts with metallic or plastic extensions.
5. Install an interior drainage system
This method is one of the best-known methods to provide the needed protection your basement needs from water. It involves the use of an interior French drain and an efficient sump pump system to help prevent your basement from water accumulation. Though setting up this method might be a bit hard, it is very effective in making your basement waterproof.
With these steps and a reasonable budget, you can be assured your basement is free of moisture.