- Waterproofing occurs on the exterior of a building. Because concrete is porous, it will often crack during the curing process. Modern asphalt- or rubber-based coatings fill the cracks and joints of the foundation and the exterior of the basement walls to form a rubberized water barrier. Waterproofing also resists the pressure of the water known as hydrostatic pressure in the soil created by heavy rains and helps prevent moisture from seeping into the porous concrete from the outside.
Use a sprayer to apply a the coating over the exterior foundation and walls of the basement. The sprayer heats the chemical to the correct temperature and saves a great deal of time. - Damp proofing is the process used for an existing home's basement. Several of the products used for exterior waterproofing also work on the inside walls of a finished basement; because you are applying them to the interior, however, they cannot prevent water from seeping into the concrete and therefore do not afford the same protection as waterproofing. Damp proofing only helps prevent the dampness from reaching the interior of the basement. When the soil becomes waterlogged outside, the thin layer of damp proofing may not be able to withstand the exterior pressure of the water, and your basement will most likely become damp through the walls and through cracks in the foundation.
- Other measures you can take to help damp proof your basement include digging drainage ditches to direct water away from basement walls on existing buildings. If your ground tends to slope down toward the walls of the house, build it up to make it slope upward to the wall so the water will run away. Planting grass or sod will also help draw the water away. Do not grow shrubs or flowers close to the building walls. They stop the sun and air from drying out the ground. Check to ensure the gutters are working and downspouts are directed away from the building. Install new gutters if needed. Check for leaky plumbing and insulate pipes to help prevent condensation. Purchase and install plastic covers for below-grade windows.
- Open basement windows on warm, dry days, and keep them closed at other times. Run the air-conditioning and heating in the basement. Do not hang wet clothes to dry in the basement; use a dryer. Mop the floors with a bleach solution to get rid of the musty smell, and keep a tin of dry charcoal in the basement to absorb moisture.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -