Different Ways of Waterproofing a Basement

• Moisture problems are common to basements due to temperature differences between the ground and the temperature outside or upstairs. Moisture problems in basements make themselves known in a variety of different ways, and each way has a specific method of dealing with it. You need to be absolutely certain of the cause of moisture in your basement before you can know the most effective way to make the basement waterproof.

Condensation

• One of the most common methods of water collection in the basement is condensation on the walls or exposed pipes. Condensation is the result of an overabundance of humidity in the air. Very often this humidity is caused by an internal source of heat that produces a greater than normal difference between the temperature in the space between the wall and the air inside the basement. The most efficient way waterproof against condensation is to install a dehumidifier. If the pipes are dripping with condensation, you can solve the problem by improving ventilation by leaving open a door or installing a window if possible.

General Dampness

• A general sense of dampness in the basement, especially near the floor or on just one wall is caused by surface water that makes its way through your foundation or an expansion joint. The source of this kind of moisture in your basement can be multiple: clogged drain tile, window well or bad drainage off the roof. The way to waterproof your basement, if this is the case, will depend on the cause. You can improve the roof drainage system with gutters or downspouts. A sealant may take care of very minor seepage problems located in just one spot.

Rising Water Table

• A high water table that forces water up as a result of high pressure can result in a thin film of water on the floor of your basement that may not even be noticeable until you step into it. Essentially what is happening in this case is that your basement is slowly becoming a well. You may or may not only experience this kind of basement moisture condition after a particularly heavy rain. Waterproofing against a rising water table requires the installation of drain tiles situated around the perimeter of either the foundation or the basement floor. Your situation may also require that the drain tiles be connected to a storm sewer. In some cases, basements may be protected by using a sump pump.

Leaks

• Water that leaks or slowly oozes its way into your basement may simply be an indication of the house settling causing cracks in the mortar joints. Leakage could also be caused by a roof that doesn't drain well. Another way that water can leak into the basement is if your property has a grade that slopes down toward the basement wall. Repair cracks in the foundation or walls as a means of waterproofing in that case. Waterproofing against a slope means redirecting the slope away from the basement. Bad leaking may require a complete waterproofing of the foundation wall backed up by the installation of drain tile.