If you’re a homeowner, the thought of waterproofing a basement can easily feel overwhelming. After all, it’s not just about protecting your home from water damage – it’s also about making sure your space is free from mold and humidity.
While interior and exterior waterproofing is best left in the hands of a contractor, you still have to know what to expect.
Here is a list of 8 things to expect when waterproofing a basement, so no part of the process can catch you off-guard!
#1. Initial Inspection
Once you have all the details of the first meet-up set in place with the contractor of your choice, the next step is the initial inspection. Your contractor has to get “the feel of the land” and asses your current basement situation.
They will identify issues with your basement walls and floors, as well as determine if there is any foundation repair work to be done.
When waterproofing a basement, you’ll also need to talk to your contractor about getting help with obtaining proper permits. Because of the extensive work needed to waterproof a basement, you need paperwork before making any changes. Since contractors already have a network set in place, they can help with that.
#2. Preparation Stage
Before the basement waterproofing process begins, your contractor will clean and prepare the area.
This process can include several steps, from removing everything from the basement and moving it somewhere else to removing old paint and debris.
#3. Mold Removal
Wet basement walls eventually lead to mold growth. When this occurs, removing said mold adds one more step to the basement waterproofing process.
This can add to the basement waterproofing costs, so make sure to tell potential contractors that you want to get rid of mold before waterproofing.
Mold removal can be a complex process in itself, with steps that include:
- Setting up containment areas using plastic sheeting and tape.
- Using HEPA air filters and systems that remove mold spores from the air.
- Employing HEPA vacuums and wire brush tools to get rid of surface mold.
- Removing and disposing of insulation and drywall if the mold spores have penetrated their surface.
- Cleaning the area using special cleaning agents to kill mold spores.
- Temporarily installing dehumidifiers to absorb moisture and allow the basement walls to dry faster.
#4. Exterior Excavation
There is a common misconception that waterproofing a basement is a process that occurs strictly inside the basement itself.
Any professional basement waterproofing company will tell you that exterior waterproofing is just as, if not more important, than interior waterproofing.
Exterior excavation depends on the extent of basement waterproofing you’re looking for. This step will allow the contractor easy access to the foundation walls to apply a waterproof membrane.
#5. Interior Waterproofing
In some cases, interior waterproofing may suffice. Professionals usually apply waterproof coating to your basement walls for long-term moisture resistance.
But interior waterproofing goes way beyond that. They will also have to install a new drainage system or repair/improve your existing one.
It’s common for professionals to discover foundation wall cracks and other problems that need addressing.
Contractors typically use hydraulic cement to fix cracks. They use a combination of muriatic acid and a wire brush to remove efflorescence.
#6. Sump Pump Installation
When waterproofing a basement, you’ll definitely need a a sump pump. These are an effective way to get rid of water fast and save costly repairs. Basement waterproofing companies install the sump pump in a specially-constructed pit on the basement floor.
A sump pump is a solution for homeowners looking to keep their basements free of water damage. This specialized equipment pumps away any excess water in the basement and diverts it from the foundation.
This can be incredibly helpful, especially if you experience heavy rains or flooding in your area.
#7. Temporary Disruption
Even the best waterproofing basement contractors will make noise when waterproofing your basement. This is especially true if they have to excavate your exterior foundation or drill through masonry walls.
While all this sounds very inconvenient, it’s just a matter of days before you can enjoy using your basement (and perhaps upgrading it to livable quarters!)
#8. Long-Term Benefits
OK, enough will all the talk about interruptions and noise and whatnot. Let’s talk about what’s really important here: fixing a threat that could damage your entire home’s structure.
- The most important gain from basement waterproofing is the assurance that your property will be safe from flooding.
- Maintaining a comfortable temperature in your house when humidity levels are high might be challenging when you have wet basement issues. Slapping waterproofing paint on the walls isn't enough if you want to prevent further moisture-related problems down the line.
- Completely waterproofing a basement saves money in the long haul.
- Waterproofing your basement will keep your belongings dry in even the worst rainstorms. This is something to look forward to if your basement is used for storage or if you plan to turn this into a functional room.
As you know, basements tend to be the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. As they expand, they decrease the air quality inside your home, further increasing the chances for potential health problems.
Don't Postpone Saving Your Home
Waterproofing a basement is an essential part of homeownership. The waterproofing process keeps standing water from seeping through the basement walls and prevents flooding.
Without waterproofing, you could face rising dampness and damage caused by mold, rotted wood, and a concrete floor that can crack due to hydrostatic pressure.
Once this very important aspect is out of the way or if you already have a basement you want to take full advantage of, we’re happy to help with basement remodeling.
At Mortise & Miter, we’re offering a quality basement waterproofing service in Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, and the surrounding areas. We’re taking care of everything, so you won’t have to move a finger.
If you want to learn more about waterproofing a basement, call us at (913) 214-6211, or request a quote on our website, and we’ll reach back to you as soon as possible!