4 Main Elements of a Basement Waterproofing Solution
Water inside of a basement can cause many issues to a home. From dust mites, bacteria, mold, structural damage, high energy bills, and MORE. Waterproofing your basement could be crucial to your home's lifespan and your family's health.
Unfortunately, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to creating a basement waterproofing solution. There are multiple ways that water can be getting inside your home and there are multiple different ways to get it out. With this being such an important investment, selecting the best option can be a challenge.
Here are the 4 main elements to consider when picking a waterproofing solution for your basement:
1. Drainage System
2. Sump Pump
3. Basement Walls
4. Dehumidifier
Drainage System
Here are the main things to look for when selecting an interior drainage system for your basement:
- Non-Clogging Design. What good is a drainage system that's clogged? Look for a system that sits on top of the footing, so there's no chance of water getting backed up.
- Drains Wall Leaks. Look for a built-in 3/8-inch gap between the wall and floor, so the system is able to drain wall leaks.
- Do NOT Rely on Fabric Filters. Fabric is a natural compound that will decompose overtime and can cause clogging or blockages within a drainage system.
- Large Drainage Outlet to Sump Pump. Make sure the outlet is large enough to take in a substantial amount of water without getting overfilled or stopped up.
- No Structural Damage. This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised. Make sure the drainage system you choose will not cause any structural damage to the foundation of the home. If your foundation is damaged and cracked, you are essentially back at square one with the waterproofing process.
Sump Pump
Sump pump's are a crucial part of ensuring dry basement. They are meant to pump water up and away from the foundation of your home. Here's what to look for when considering your sump pump:
- Sump Liner. Your sump pump isn't doing you much good if its in a clogged muddy hole. Your sump pump should sit in a sturdy liner with holes in the bottom to accept water directly from the ground.
- Airtight Sump Lid. You don't want water evaporating out for the sump pump and back into your basement. Make sure you sump pump has an airtight lid.
- Pump Stand. A pump stand will elevate your pump just enough to allow some debris, mud, or sediment to settle to the bottom without clogging the drainage pipe.
- Floor Drain in Sump Lid. This is important, because if a plumbing leak were to occur causing water to flood your basement floor you will want the sump pump to drain the water away from the floor. Make sure it is an airtight floor drain so that water inside doesn't evaporate out.
- Pump Alarm. This lets you know the moment you pump has any problems or failures, so you can take action right away before it's too late.
- Backup Battery System. This will ensure that you sump pump will effectively pump any water up and away even during a power outage.
Basement Walls
So, now the floor is dry, but what about the walls? Water and water vapors are already present in your foundation's walls beings against the earth's soil. Waterproofing walls to protect from mold and structural damage can be another crucial aspect to ensuring a waterproofed basement.C
- CleanSpace. Our CleanSpace wall system is the most durable water vapor on the market. It is designed to cover, protect, and seal the area from any water vapors int he ground.
Dehumidifier
Mold is a big concern of any homeowner. With so many ways that water can get into your basement (via groundwater leaks, capillary action, exterior air leaking into your basement, and water vapor coming through the walls), it's a common problem for most households. A dehumidifier is the answer to this problem.
- SaniDry Sedona. This is a high-capacity, high-efficiency, dehumidifier with built-in air filtration system. It relieves asthma and allergies, lowers electricity costs, eliminates muggy feelings, and stops mold growth.
