If basement floor waterproofing wasn't overlooked on such a regular basis, then there wouldn't be as many problems with seepage and flooding when it was finished. A basement can be so much more than just a convenient place for storing junk! Now, people realize the potential of this space for something much more such as extra living space, family rooms and bedrooms.
Water situation was not encountered in the beginning by homeowners, but it later appeared because sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogged with mud.
The soil will become too saturated if water from the roof is not directed away from the foundation. As the home settles, walls crack, protective coatings applied to the exterior biodegrades and drainage systems fill up with silt. Leakage in the basement can be caused by all of these problems. It is possible that flowing water on the ground enters the foundation through cracks or other openings; even solid masonry is not free from moisture as saturated soil enters through the walls as well as other openings. This is due to the natural pressure the soil exerts against the foundation. The higher the level of water, the greater the pressure. In turn this water, under increased pressure, seeks entry through cracks and crevices in the walls and floors, and concrete is no match for water pressure. The result is a flooded crawlspace or basement.
If you want to keep hydrostatic water from getting into your home, pressure relief systems will do the job for you. Primary pumps cannot work if the electricity goes out during a rainstorm. As pressure increases the floor or wall will be penetrated by moisture. (often called bleeding). Seepage is often found where the wall meets the floor around the corners and joints.
If water seems to be coming in from an isolated area, installing a sump pump below floor level can lower the water table and underground hydrostatic pressure in that area. Water vapor will go right through concrete since it is porous. Because of moisture it feels even more cold, and rots carpet and other floor coverings. Even the mold starts to grow and basement smells musty.
Using high quality sealants easily found in the marketplace is a good remedy. These can often be painted, rollered or sprayed on.
A normal basement floor waterproofing job may entail:
- getting the floor ready by taking up any materials that are broken up or loose.
- Use large fans and heaters as needed to make sure the basement floor is as dry as it can be.
- Assuring that the wall/floor junctions are sealed off.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- Find out if it is necessary to use a primer and if it should be, prime the floor as per instructions
- Use 2 to 3 coats as needed to top coat the floor with the final product.
With a good product you will have a waterproofed basement floor that should last for a number of years. There exist sealants in the market like PermaFlex which has lasting and durable basement floor waterproofing. Quoted as being the only indoor waterproofing system that completely seals any basement floor permanently, no matter how wet or deteriorated, seems a good easy system that costs a few hundred dollars as opposed to thousands for considerable manual work, pumps and pipes.