Concrete Waterproofing - What You Need to Know

When most of us think about concrete, we consider it to be an impenetrable barrier. What most of us don't realize, however, is that concrete is actually a very porous material that will allow moisture to pass through it readily. Because we use concrete and concrete products whenever we build our homes in the foundation or as a walkway or patio, it may be necessary for us to do some concrete waterproofing in order to make sure that water can not pass through. After all, the last thing that we would want to have happen is for moisture to creep into our basement and either damage the walls or cause a mold problem within our home.

The best time for concrete waterproofing to take place is whenever the home is first being built. The reason why this is the case is because the outside of the walls are exposed and it is easy to waterproof them at this time. The concrete waterproofing that goes on the outside of your foundation walls is much different than the type that goes on the inside. Typically, a membrane of some sort is spread onto the outside of the wall, such as a tar like substance. You would not want to put this on the inside of your basement walls as it would be rather messy to deal with, especially if you live in this area of your home. It may also put off some fumes that would creep up in your home and may cause you to get sick.

Concrete waterproofing on the inside of the walls is also possible if the outside was not properly taken care of. This is usually done by means of putting some waterproofing paint on the inside of the walls, after any mold or mildew has been removed. It helps to keep the moisture from coming through into the basement, although it will still come into the concrete.

Regardless of the type of concrete waterproofing that you have on your home, you may still want to run a dehumidifier in your basement or crawlspace in order to keep the moisture out of the air. Because this area of your home is underground, it naturally collects moisture and that can cause a problem in the upstairs area of your home as well. Running a dehumidifier will effectively take care of any of these moisture problems that are not corrected by the concrete waterproofing on the walls themselves.

You can find out more about Concrete Waterproofing as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com

Advice on Waterproofing Your Deck

Even if you undertook the task of building your own deck, you understand the large investment (both monetary and in time) that went into the project. Decks add beauty and value to a home, and are often the family's favorite place on lovely afternoons. In order to protect that investment, deck waterproofing is nearly as important as making sure your basement is dry and safe from water damage.

After the completion of your deck, either you or the contracted builder should seal the wood with a water-resistant coating. Water-resistant sealants are painted on the wood, covering the entire deck. This coating helps to protect the wood from absorbing excess water. Not only does this seal the deck but also provides wonderful preservation of the deck's beauty.

If you choose to use redwood for your deck, waterproofing can extend the life of the wood's color. It is strongly recommended that you seal this type of wood prior to construction. This ensures that the wood was properly and evening coated with the deck waterproofing sealant. When using redwood for construction, be sure re-apply the sealant coating once every 12 to 18 months in order to prevent the wood from darkening.

Untreated wood will eventually become damaged. Being submitted to harsh weather and direct sunlight is often a killer of untreated wood. Wood can begin to rot, crack, and in severe cases, provide an open invitation to termites. Redwood is not as prone to rot and other damage as softer, lighter woods. Despite its durability, you should seriously consider waterproofing for enhanced beauty. Deck waterproofing is the only way to prevent premature damage to your deck. Decks are often a substantial investment and deck waterproofing is insurance for your peace of mind.

Waterproofing Info provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Your Home Stays Safe With Basement Waterproofing Help

Many benefits are reaped when a homeowner takes steps to find basement waterproof help. For some reason not everyone has realized the importance of such home improvement and discovers later on that the home is not worth as much as it would have been with proper waterproofing.

Why invest so much in a house and then lose value because of a damp basement? It's a fact that homeowners can lose thirty percent of the value due to this issue. There are many homes on the market these days and buyers may look past a house with a bad foundation. This could be avoided with a good basement waterproof plan.

What are the benefits of basement waterproofing? Here are some basement waterproof tips.

Purchasing a home requires the owner to keep it protected from any number of risks. Keeping the home safe from water is a smart move and increases the property value when the time comes to sell. Someone looking to buy a house will pass on a home with water damage.

Homes located in areas of the country that receive heavy rainfall are already in jeopardy of water damage. Maintaining a secure foundation is a must in these areas to prevent structural damage and keeping out moisture that causes staining, rotting and fungi to grow. If not properly repaired, cracks may form and cause serious destruction to the home.

Homes with basements sell well because they can be used for not only laundry rooms, but to store things and for extra living areas. A dry basement makes for safe storage space and perhaps even an extra bedroom or recreation room.

Basements infected with mold and mildew give off an obvious odor that indicates the lack of sealing. Healthy risks occur for family and pets when extra humidity builds up in the walls. People with allergies cannot live in homes that contain fungi spores and mold. Without adequate dehumidifying, seepage will continue and may cause health problems that could be avoided.

Not only will damage happen with water, but insects and pests that live in damp areas can also cause problems. Waterbugs, cockroaches and termites thrive in damp homes and can create major damage to the house and its contents.

The costs of waterproofing can vary from a simple basement waterproofing DIY project to one that requires a contractor and several thousand dollars. If the home has already suffered a lot of structural damage, the costs may go up even more. However, keeping the home and the people who live in it safe should outweigh the finances involved. Basement waterproofing is a smart investment so that the home may be enjoyed for many years to come.

Find more information about starting a basement waterproof project and protect your home from water damage. http://www.waterproofingbasementguide.com/

Things You Should Know About Waterproofing Your Basement

Dampness in a basement can take many forms. You might have problems with water seeping in through minute cracks in the walls, run-off that requires a sump pump, leaking windows, or just a feeling of general cold, clammy wetness. Whatever the cause, dampness in a basement can damage your home and your possessions and create an unhealthy environment for your family. There are various fixes for these problems and tricks that you need to know if you're going to be able to dry out your basement and keep it that way. This article will tell you how to waterproof your basement, because knowledge is the first step in the right direction.

Water seeping through walls is a common problem, because the crack or crevice doesn't have to be very large to allow water to come through. There are two basic ways of waterproofing your walls; you can either work from the outside of your house or the inside. You can have tiling work done to remove water from the area, or there are substances you can buy to paint on both the interior and exterior of your walls that will block the cracks to keep the water from coming into your home.

Many homes require a sump pump in order to pump away excess water that builds up around their basements and then begins to run in through floor drains. For starters, if your house wasn't built in the right place, you could be very prone for water problems. Ideally, you want a house that is situated high enough so that water runs away from the house. Unfortunately, eager builders have put houses into areas where water pools around the buildings instead of flowing away from them. In addition, the dirt around the foundation of many houses has sunk in over the years causing water to flow towards the house. While you can't fix where your house is located, you can build up the terrain surrounding the foundation so that it will repel rain water run-off.

Many homes have basement windows that leak. Since many are right at ground level, this isn't surprising. Caulking around the windows may solve the problem without having to go any farther. If you do have to replace the windows, you might consider using glass block which will let in light but which will also be strong and durable enough to keep water out.

Damp air is a common problem, because a basement is, for the most part, underground where damp soil surrounds it. The easiest fix for this problem is to buy a dehumidifier that will collect the water that's in the air and allow it to run safely down the drain and out of your house. Dehumidifiers come with different capacities and capabilities, so you want to discuss your problem with your dealer to get suggestions for what will work best in your home. If you can run the water flow directly into the drain instead of into the container that comes with the dehumidifier, you'll never have to remember to empty the tank in order to keep the unit running.

You already know the importance of waterproofing. Visit betterwaterproofing.com for more tips on waterproofing basement tips and basement waterproofing systems and learn how you can do more.

Foundation Waterproofing - What You Need to Know

Is it important to waterproof your foundation? Absolutely! Everyone knows that water is very important in the keeping of the planet and our bodies healthy, but when it comes to structures and buildings, water can be very corrosive. If you don't learn about foundation waterproofing, you could be putting your home or office building at risk of serious structural damage. Here are some quick tips that you should know about.

Water is able to find even the most minuscule crack and crevice. Water flows through the ground horizontally so there isn't any way to keep the water from coming into contact with your building. The good news is that if you take the care and keeping of your foundation seriously, you will be able to keep the water from invading your home and instead encourage the water to flow around and under it.

Mold and mildew are the two largest perils of water making contact with your home. Both of these can demolish your home's structural integrity. Mold spores can spread the surfaces of your home and making physical contact with them can be dangerous. Some of the most dangerous molds can be breathed in. Equally troubling is the fact that the discovery of mold in your home can lead to expensive repairs. You wouldn't eat food that was covered in mold, why would you live in a house with the same problem?

Mildew is another destructive substance that is common in most homes. Mildew is usually found where water has made direct contact with a surface that is porous, like your shower tile. Mildew is what turns your shower grout black and can be disastrous if it manages to take hold of your home's foundation.

Most building companies offer a black waterproofing spray that is supposed to protect your foundation. Unfortunately there is more to waterproofing your foundation than a simple spray. There are a few methods of waterproofing your basement and remember, there is no way that you can "over-waterproof" your home.

Make sure that your foundation drainage system is well made when you install it. The drainage system will keep ground water from making direct contact with your foundation and make the water flow around the foundation instead. Usually the drainage system is made of at least thirty six inches of large gravel that is poured next to and around the drain tile of your foundation. This gravel gets covered with at least four inches of straw or tar paper before any backfilling is done.

Most people think that foundations, by themselves, can't be penetrated. This thinking is the reason that there are a lot of homes that are actually unsound and end up needing new foundations. Taking extra care to make sure your foundation is properly waterproofed helps you to make sure that your home is safe and sound and will be protected against things like mold and mildew. Foundation waterproofing is incredibly important. Don't skimp on it!

You can find out more about Foundation Waterproofing as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com

Proper Waterproofing Is Necessary Before Basement Remodeling

Basements are good as long as they do not have any leaks that can allow water to seep in and damage any of the valuable articles that are often stored there. You certainly wouldn't want it to affect the health of the houses inhabitants!

As property prices continue to rise steadily, people now have to ensure that they utilise what space they have in the most effective way possible. Basements can be used for the same purpose as any other room in the house, it is not unusual now for a basement to be a stylish and well decorated living space or maybe even a play room for the kids. No longer are they a simple and unnoticed storage space.

Renovation and waterproofing professionals like us often come across a lot of unique ideas from clients of how they would like to use their basement space. These clients could have bought an older house as many new build houses are already focused on maximising the use of space.

A new generation home owners is ready to invest in something that they can use for a variety of purposes. You can see this once you have understood their ideas for their basement remodelling.

However, it is vital that all the initial work has been done when you look to turn the basement into a living space. This should ideally start when you lay the foundation stone for your building. A crack in the foundation wall will be an avenue for moisture to get into the basement.

It must be remembered that basements are by nature damp and prone to high pressure humidity that may lead to a number of problems. Concrete is naturally porous and if you do not go for proper waterproofing, there is every chance that you will end up with a wet basement - typically in seasonal rainstorms.

You should properly monitor the water supply system of your house - a leakage in the system may cause you enough pain and a lot of hard earned cash in the long run.

Our experience tells us, many factors, even the location of your house (like a lake side plot) can cause heavy and continuing dampness. We have also seen cases where the dampness was actually caused by neighbour's leaking pipes or roof drains.

In some cases we have found that Thoroseal used in the basement has caused a lot of damage, as it trapped moisture against the brick. The situation was worse when we took up the job and had to remove what was left of the Thoroseal along with the bricks as were no longer up to the job. In another instance we found that the house was not only wet in the winter, but also damp and musty even in summer.

To sum up, you can easily go for a basement remodeling, if you have proper legal permission to do so. But without proper waterproofing of your basement, the whole exercise may turn into a complete waste of money. Ensure you consult a professional for a thorough analysis of your requirements before taking any steps.

Bryan Cantrill is a freelance writer with years of experience in basement conversion and remodeling [http://www.basementsuk.co.uk] For more information on structural basement waterproofing solutions [http://www.basementsuk.co.uk] he recommends you to visit [http://www.basementsuk.co.uk]

How To Keep The Basement Safe From Water Damage: Basement Waterproofing And More

If water and moisture makes its way into a home's basement, the entire building will be compromised. Once the foundation of a house is damaged, it can be a nightmare to correct. Water damage can be swift, destroying a finished living space and causing long term damage that requires an extensive foundation repair project. The best way to prevent these issues in the first place is to keep moisture out from under a home in a number of ways.

Take A Proactive Stand With Basement Waterproofing

After damage occurs, most homeowners scramble to play catch up, rushing to dry out carpets, drain out a sump hole, and try to stem the flow into the home. Basement waterproofing is the ideal solution for preventing all of the hassles and damage before they happen.

Keeping the area under a house dry requires a comprehensive solution. Moisture intrusion can occur through the floor, the walls, and as a result of condensation. A waterproof subfloor, water-resistant coatings or paneling on the wall, and water-tight frames on the windows go a long way towards effective basement waterproofing.

Get A Warranty From A Reliable Waterproofing Company

Moisture intrusion can be difficult to stop completely and forever. Even the best materials will eventually wear down or wear thin, permitting moisture to affect a home. Other times, minor damage to the foundation might result in an entry point for water that is otherwise invisible to the eye. A major 100 year storm seems to come around more often than once every 100 years.

For all of these contingencies, a warranty through a waterproofing company is the best way to achieve peace of mind. These warranties are also ideal for homeowners and realtors who are looking to sell a property so prospective buyers can have the same peace of mind. Either way, having a waterproofing company that stands by its warranty makes all the difference when handling a damp basement.

Route Rainfall Away From The Home

By routing rainfall from downspouts, gutters, and the roof away from the home, it will not pool around the foundation looking for a way to get inside the house. Use landscaping to create a slope away from the house and install downspout extensions to keep rainfall far from the foundation. Five or six feet is ideal when it comes to routing rainfall away.

Consider Insulation And Dehumidifiers

Pipes running underneath a house can cause condensation and moisture buildup. Laundry appliances and the dryer specifically create hot, moist air. Make sure all pipes are insulated and appliance vents leave the house. Add a dehumidifier to grab any moisture from the air. Moist air in the home will eventually settle out as condensation, so it is imperative to get that air outside. If there is a bathroom downstairs, make sure to install exhaust fans there as well.

These tips cover a lot of ground and will help to prevent costly foundation repair and property damage.

Chris Harmen is an author for Basement Warranty Corporation, the premier waterproofing company in Macomb County. They offer comprehensive basement waterproofing in Detroit, MI for homeowners and realtors.

Three Major Benefits of Knowing How to Waterproof a Basement

A wet basement is a disgusting space, basically unusable. You can't build rooms down there, because sheetrock and paneling will mildew and rot in the dampness, you wouldn't want to put furniture there, because it wouldn't be long before it felt clammy and smelled awful, and you really can't even store anything there unless you don't care how musty it will get to smelling. Waterproofing a basement is a good idea for a lot of reasons. Learning how to waterproof a basement will not only provide you with lots of extra room for family living, but it will also increase the value of your home, and make the environment in the entire house healthier for all who live there.

A lot of the reason basements are wet is because they are underground, and the problem starts outdoors. Take a look at the foundations all the way around your house. Is the dirt surrounding them lower than the rest of the lawn around it? That can happen over time as the dirt settles, and it's one of the major culprits when it comes to dampness in your basement. With the dirt sloping downward towards your foundation, you are essentially funneling water runoff directly to your house. Banking the soil around the foundation high enough that the water will run away from your home instead will definitely make a world of difference.

Other causes of water in basements aren't quite as easy to fix. Sometimes the water table under a house is too high which can force water up into the basement through cracks and drains. You can alleviate this problem by having a sump pump installed in your basement floor. This is a fairly difficult job, because a hole needs to be cut into your floor so that a pit can be built in. You will also need to have some plumbing connections made in order to pump the water safely away, so this job will probably require professional assistance. However, the expense will be well worth the effort, because it will mean that the usable space as well as the value of your home will increase.

As you probably already know, dampness causes mold and mildew. If your basement has a moisture problem, these nasty substances will take root and start multiplying. They shoot spores into the air of your home which is then circulated into the upstairs rooms as well as the basement. Many people are allergic to mold spores, but even if no one in your family has an allergy, you're still asking for respiratory problems unless you clean up the air in your home by drying out your basement. Knowing how to waterproof a basement is an important skill for any homeowner to have.

You already know the importance of waterproofing. Visit betterwaterproofing.com for more tips on under deck waterproofing and do-it-yourself basement waterproofing and learn how you can do more.

Basement Waterproofing Advice

Basements need to be waterproofed for many reasons. Cracks in the walls, leaking windows and pipe condensation are probably the most common reasons basements have water build-up problems. Too much or prolonged water retention in the basement can cause a variety of problems. Termites, mold and foundation damage are all serious concerns and are common when water leaks are left undone.

Some ways to keep your basement dry may seem rather obvious. Ideally your basement has a good surface grading to drain surface water away from the house. Exterior waterproofing and keeping wall cracks sealed are two other first-step methods. If you have tried these methods and still have water build-up problems in your basement, you may have to resort to other methods.

A sump pump is another common method of drying out a basement. Some professionals recommend this as a last resort, do-it-yourself attempt at water removal. There are two kinds of pumps available: submersible and water-powered. The submersible pump is electrically powered and is placed underground. They are more expensive than other pumps but are much quieter and can last for two-to-three times as long. The water-powered sump pump is fueled by your home's plumbing pressure. These pumps are usually slower at draining water but require no electricity and are often used during a power failure.

Many professionals install basement-waterproofing systems. If your home is at risk for consistent or extreme water build-up, it might be wise to seek the services of a competent professional. One professionally installed basement waterproofing system helps to alleviate underground water pressure and keeps the water from leaking into the basement. Other methods include the use of a polyurethane spray or foam. The foam acts as a very strong sealant and can repair cracks and leaks around basement walls and windows. Because the foam is extremely weather resistant, the treatment can last for a decade or longer.

Waterproofing Info provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Basement Leaks Can Be Fixed With Exterior Wall Waterproofing

Whenever someone has a leaky wall in their basement, the first impulse is usually to buy some waterproofing paint and fix the problem. This is a good idea as far as it goes; however, it often doesn't go quite far enough. The root of most basement wall problems lies in the soil outside of the foundation walls. Concrete, block, and stone, the items most often used to build a foundation, are all porous substances, and water can be forced through them if enough pressure is exerted. That pressure comes from water-laden soil pushing against the walls, which means that any basement can leak and need exterior wall waterproofing.

A leaky basement seriously decreases the resale value of your home. Several years ago my daughter was going to buy a small house near us. It had all been remodeled and looked beautiful. However, before the final negotiations were made, we had a rainy day and asked to see the house again, only to find water running all over the basement. Needless to say, it was transaction cancelled. This could happen to you, too, if you have leaks in your basement walls and eventually want to sell your house. Although having exterior foundation walls treated is expensive, anything you spend should be well worth the price as far as resale value is concerned.

There are a couple of quick fixes that you can try to help waterproof your foundation. Banking dirt and rocks against the foundation will help water run away from the house instead of toward it. Adding an adequate gutter system will also move water out into your yard and away from your home. If one of these methods works for you, it will save you a lot of money and hassle.

To do permanent exterior wall waterproofing means excavating all the way around your house to a depth of 1' - 3'. Once you have a trench in place, it's a smart idea to have two things done. First of all, the outside of your basement walls need to be painted with a specially-formulated outdoor waterproofing paint which will provide a barrier between the soil and the walls. In addition, you need to have a drainage system built into the trench that will carry away water that would otherwise be pressing on foundation walls. As mentioned earlier, this won't be either easy or cheap, but it should solve your water problems permanently.

There is more to learn about waterproofing. Visit betterwaterproofing.com for more tips on waterproofing basement tips and waterproofing leather and learn how you can do more.

Basement Waterproofing - Have a Waterproof Foundation

Every home needs protection from the rain. This does not only apply in roofing methods but also with the foundation of the home because water does not only come from above but from below as well. As you can see, soil, which is usually below homes, can absorb water up to a certain extent. When it becomes saturated, it can affect the object close to it-in this case, your basement floors. Without stable basement waterproofing, your home can get long term damage.

With this knowledge in mind, you have to make sure that your house is built with good waterproofing. There is a special process to do this during initial construction. Usually, having this is enough to protect from the rainy season. Nonetheless, there are times when the soil becomes unable to absorb all the water which falls upon it. The floors and the walls of your basement is the first one to get affected.

Even if you have stable waterproof basement in your house, there are times when water can still penetrate your walls. Because of this, the materials used to build your basement can get wet and damaged. With this occurrence, bacteria can enter the air you breathe and cause some sicknesses, not to mention certain odors can linger in your home for a period of time. Nonetheless, there are many processes to save your home from this.

Sump pump and drains can be used to help remove or revert the excess water away from your basement. This way, your home will be water-free and safe. Also, you will be able to spare yourself from repair bills, which you really do not deserve. Basically, the roof is not enough to protect your home from rain and its effects. You also have to protect those below because water can enter from the ground. Make sure your home has basement waterproofing so you can save yourself from possible stress.

Do not hesitate to visit this link to learn more about what basement waterproofing has to offer.

Finding a Basement Waterproofing Contractor

The majority of homes on the east coast and mid west have basements. This is because they tend to have natural disasters which drive homeowners into a safe place of refuge. When purchasing a home in one of these regions, a homeowner will more likely than not buy a home with a basement. If a homeowner lives in the pacific or pacific northwest, their home will more likely than not, have a basement in their home. If a homeowner has their home custom made, that is when a basement will be included in their home building plans. With this said, west coast homeowner's, for the most part, will not have to worry about the maintenance of their basement. East coast and mid west homeowners, on the other hand, need to maintain and use their basements more often.

Homeowners who have lived in their home, with basement, for years, or homeowners purchasing a brand new home with basement need to keep in mind that basements need to be taken care of like the rest of the home. Whether the basement is used for storage or entertaining purposes, the walls and flooring of any basement needs to be maintained and waterproofed. A homeowner can live in, what they think, is a dry area, but when it rains, it usually pours. As the rain comes down, if a basement is not fully waterproofed, the home and homeowner will pay a hefty price. This is why finding a basement waterproofing contractor, to do the job right the first time, is an important investment in a home.

Being a responsible homeowner means taking care of the whole home, including rooms which might not be used that much. This is especially true for basements. It is always better to be prepared than caught off guard during rough weather or whatever life throws a homeowners way. With this said, looking for a reputable, seasoned and reliable basement waterproofing contractor, should not be done in one day. It is not wise to go with the first company or person you see in the telephone directory or through an online website.

Just like you would shop around, or get a second or third opinion, on a medical condition, this also applies to home improvements or repairs. It is smarter to pay a contractor, to do the job correctly the first time, instead of wasting time and finances, using an incompetent basement waterproofing contractor. If the price of having a contractor come to your home is the most important, you will want to get estimates on equipment, materials and labor for the potential project at hand. The best thing to do is always get the work you need done, in writing. If it is not in writing, there is no way to contest it, if need be.

Finally, as the basement waterproofing contractor what type of waterproofing sealant will be used. There are different sealants for whatever needs to be sealed. The inside being sealed is as important as the outside walls. Various sealants can be a primer, a liquid rubber, a plastic paint for the floors and an interior/exterior acrylic latex paint. These are products the homeowner might want to discuss with their contractor. If the homeowner sounds knowledgeable, they will not be taken advantage of either.

If you're looking to waterproof your basement, you'll want to learn more about the process before taking the plunge. Read our site to learn more about waterproofing, including basement waterproofing paint.

Foundation Waterproofing - Keeping the Water Out

Owning a home can be a wonderful experience but it comes with a lot of responsibility. There are also a lot of difficulties that can happen as a result of homeownership. A good example of this is if you happen to get water from time to time in your basement or crawl space. Even though the area is underground and it can be expected to get moisture on occasion, it can affect the rest of your home in a number of different ways. Along with that, if you like to use your basement as a living space, moisture can cause mold and mildew along with being very destructive to any furniture that you have down there.

In order to overcome the problem of water or any moisture in the basement, it may be necessary to do some foundation waterproofing. Of course, this is best done whenever the house is new and the foundation is still exposed on the outside. When this is the case, waterproofing is put onto the outside of the walls thickly and it acts as an effective barrier against any moisture and water that wants to come in through the walls. Unfortunately, this is not a practice that is always done because it is rarely a condition that is required by the local building codes. If you're having a house built, however, speak to the contractor about adding this into the bid. It may save you some trouble down the road.

If your home has already been built or if you're moving into an existing home, you may not have the benefit of having the foundation waterproofing on the outside of the walls. It is still possible for you to be able to protect it to a certain extent, however, if you put some waterproofing paint on the inside of the walls. The coating that you put on the walls is not typically as strong as the chemicals that are put on the outside of the walls but it still can serve as an effective barrier.

The one thing that it will not protect against, unfortunately, is water that is coming into your home as a result of it gathering around the outside of the foundation. If this is the case, you may need to install a French drain as a form of foundation waterproofing in order to divert the water away from the foundation and off to lower land.

You can find out more about Foundation Waterproofing as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com

Outside the Basement - Tips to Waterproofing

Waterproofing 'below grade' walls from the inside is relatively easy and almost anyone is capable of doing it.

Waterproofing on the yard side of the house tends to add time and the energy will become greater. The cost can be considerable when correcting external problems but will be crucial in getting the chore done properly. Any materials inside the basement that would wick or mold would be protected should the exterior job of waterproofing be done properly.

For a lasting effect careful choices of exterior barrier and sealants must be made. Any Building Code recognizes that waterproofing an exterior wall is the truly best way to guarantee no water coming into the 'below grade'. Lots of selections are available when it comes to completing exterior work on the understructure walls.

Footer drains are often used when the external walls are to be waterproofed. Exterior footer drains are certainly effective in directing water away from the substructure walls. These drains usually lie around the perimeter of the home and will carry water well away from the wall.

Another option you may want to consider when waterproofing the exterior basement walls is the use of external barriers or external sealants. These external sealants can be made of asphalt or cement combined with a waterproof base. A rubber or polymer material are superior waterproof bases. For extended longevity you should consider using an external sealant and that should prevent moisture. These products have been much improved over the last ten years and the refinements and developments make for an efficient waterproofing technique. And they will last as long as the building they are applied to. And, there will be no deterioration of its usefulness because of soil pH. An advantage of using polymer-based waterproofing materials is that they have a low enough viscosity that they can be sprayed directly onto an exterior wall. They also are very fast curing and semi-flexible, which allows for some movement of the substrate. Any tactic that uses a kind of diversion will certainly be effective in stopping water from getting into the foundation area.

Diversion systems are usually placed on the roof of a structure and allow rainwater to be instantly diverted away from the house. If you live in a very rainy area or your house is located near elevated water tables, you may want to think about installing a sump pump. A sump pump is a mechanical pump that collects and diverts water away from your home. These units can be excellent whether above or below soil level.

Certainly if the sump pump is above-earth then it would be easier to service the unit. These pumps aren't the most attractive units so many people prefer to hide them below-grade. Professional help will probably be required to be sure that the pump is sealed off in the best way.

Tom C Murdock has owned a number of homes over the years and each and every one of them has suffered from some degree of moisture in the basement area. So he created a site to help others solve that type of problem. http://www.basementwaterproofingcare.com/ is a site to peruse when moisture difficulties have started in the 'below grade' part of your house. Have a look at waterproofing-externally for some interesting ideas.

Waterproofing Foundation - What Are Your Choices?

If you are going to build a new home you need to waterproof the foundation of it so you won't have a wet basement in just a few years.

There are different waterproofing products and systems on the market so it really can be confusing. Hence what are your options?

Here is the short overview of the most common foundation waterproofing systems to help you to decide:

1. Liquid rubber foundation waterproofing membranes

Are elastomeric polymerized coatings made from liquid rubber - the same quality material your car tires are made from.

Advantages: They are easy to apply, quick to dry, cold applied. You can do it by yourself, by using sprayer, roller or trowel. The liquid cures into an elastic rubber coating, able to fill up current small holes and bridge possible future cracks in foundation wall as the building settles down. Rubber is flexible. They also usually come with a long warranty, and many are environmentally friendly with low solvent content, or solvent free. Very economical.

Disadvantages: Possibility of inconsistency in coverage, but the newest products will help you to determine the "right" thickness by the intensity of color, i.e. if you apply the product and you see any lighter patches, you just add more liquid. Additional surface preparation and curing may be required. If there are bigger cracks or holes in the structure you have to fill in with cement or other trowel-grade material before applying the overall coating. Also some of the liquid membranes require longer curing times for the concrete before they can be applied to insure proper bonding.

2. Hot applied Liquid Rubber Foundation waterproofing product:

It is a rubberized asphalt compound that forms a strong, flexible monolithic waterproofing membrane. Can be also applied on roofs.

Advantages: Adheres to virtually any structural surface. Ideal for rough uneven surfaces. Monolithic, free of seams, watertight, eliminates water migration and buildup of moisture. Offers strong protection because of the way it has to be applied.

Disadvantages: The surface has to be primed by primer first. The cost is higher because the product has to be applied in layers - basically you apply first coat of hot liquid rubber, then you have to quickly firmly press on the fabric reinforced sheet into that hot layer, then apply a second coat of hot liquid rubber waterproofing. Also, depending on the local building code you may have to apply 2 or 3 of these sheet layers. Because of this, the elasticity is low. And because it is Hot you have to be very careful - the best is to have it applied by a certified specialist.

3. Sheet membranes

The most common are self-adhering rubberized asphalt membranes composed of rubberized asphalt laminated to a waterproof polyethylene film.

Advantages: The biggest one is consistent thickness because they are "pre-made" to a required standard. Mechanically strong, resistant to hydrostatic pressure. Cover even the bigger holes or damaged areas.

They can be applied to concrete, metal, wood or masonry surfaces.

Disadvantages: Harder to apply because of their very high "stickiness", also the cost for in-place is higher. Application requires at least 2 people to put in on properly.

Requires lots of additional work = additional cost. If there are irregularities on the surface you want to put a sheet on they have to be smoothed first with some coat to make the surface even. You also would need to learn of joint treatment, lap joints, corners, penetration, priming, patching etc. And once the piece is down you won't get it back up in reusable condition.

4. Cementitious Waterproofing

Is a cement based flexible waterproofing membrane. It can consist of Portland cement, sand acrylic mixture, plasticizer and other active waterproofing chemicals to increase it's durability and effectiveness.

Advantages: Very easy to use, just mix the powder with water according to manufacturers recommendation and apply with brush or trowel. Very accessible - available from suppliers of masonry products, or specialized dealers. Paintable. Also comes in a variety of colors. In most cases one coat is sufficient, although some areas may be needing a use of the reinforcing mesh. Low cost. Corrosion and weather resistant. Can be applied as a positive or negative side waterproofing.

Disadvantages: No flexibility - cement does not stretch, so as the structure settles down there are the possibilities of the future cracks. Before applying the surface has to be free from protrusions, gaping cracks, oils, paints, water repellents and any other foreign material that could act as a bond breaker. Holes must be filled with approved block filler.

5. Bentonite Waterproofing

is a bentonite clay below-grade foundation waterproofing product which consists of sodium bentonite clay sandwiched between 2 layers of woven and no-woven puncture resistant polypropylene fabric. Comes as a clay panels and sheets.

Advantages: Can absorb tremendous amount of water. And as it takes the water in the clay swells and pushes itself into cracks and voids where it stays permanently as a barrier against the water. It is flexible and resistant to most chemicals. Non-toxic, non-polluting. No fumes. Can be applied in cold weather.

Disadvantages: Because of the way the clay works the seal does not form until the foundation is backfilled and the water reaches the bentonite material, which means you cannot confirm the integrity of the seal.

Summary:

As you see a lot depends on your own situation, needs, requirements and what you feel comfortable with. The best way is to talk to the experts, check the manufacturers requirements especially for the concrete curing time, temperature limitations and additional labor requirements. Yes, waterproofing of the foundation can seem to be expensive at the first glance, but remember that it is a Long-term solution which when applied properly will save you lots of time, headache and money in the future, so please, don't skimp on it.

For more info about waterproofing visit [http://homehouseresources.com/category/waterproofing/] where you can find many more Resources and Tips on Home Improvement, Home Repair, Home Security, Home Financing, Decorating, Remodeling, Do-It-Yourself Tips, Residential Contractors, How To Advice and more... Visit [http://www.homehouseresources.com]

The Truth About Basement Waterproofing

The majority of waterproofing today is being performed by system companies. System companies may claim to offer different methods, but will always steer you to their method, which is usually an interior water control system. This one size fits all approach to basement waterproofing benefits the waterproofing company more often than the customer. I can think of no other industry that so predominantly utilizes a system approach as opposed to a problem solving approach.

Their remains basically two options available to solve wet basement problems. Interior or exterior. Interior work utilizes drainage inside your basement to control the water that is entering and directs it to a sump pump. This method should never be called waterproofing, it should be referred to as water control. Water control systems allow the water in, in order to pump it back out. Waterproofing is accomplished only by exterior excavation to the bottom of the foundation, installing proper drainage and treating the walls to prevent the water from entering. Let it in and pump it out, or keep it out all together. This is the main difference between waterproofing vs. water control.

Which method is best for your foundation? The overwhelming consensus among professionals outside of the industry, structural engineers, local building department officials, etc. is waterproofing is always the best choice. So why do so many companies in this industry propose water control approaches? The answer is because it is all they do. Water control systems are relatively easy to install. It requires very little in the way of equipment or material. It is fast, and requires minimal labor skills. Water control systems do have their place, however if damp spots, cracking, or shifting of the walls is your concern, water control systems can actually make your problem worse.

When evaluating your specific situation, take a problem solving approach as opposed to a system approach. An honest foundation expert will examine you basement or crawl space to determine the cause of your problem, in order to offer a solution, specific to your needs. A system company salesman is ultimately unconcerned with the cause of your problem because the solution he will present, is the same for everyone. You must be aware that a growing number of water control companies are beginning to propose some outside work, such as shallow outside drainage systems, or exploration trenches. This outside work benefits the customer very little and allows the system company to appear different, and drive up their price. Excavation outside is only effective if you dig to the bottom of the foundation.

Never fall for the discount you will be offered if you sign the contract today. Sign now discounts are nothing more than a sales tool to get you to sign on the spot. Do not make a same day decision, sleep on it. If you feel pressured, show the salesman the door. Shop around, do some research, take your time.

Finally always investigate a companies Better Business Bureau Report. Check with your states Attorney Generals Office for a listing of complaints. Angies list is a good source to find a good contractor. Remember a companies size has absolutely no relation to how reliable or competent the company is.

Thank you,

Steve Allen

Honest Basement Waterproofing

http://www.integritywaterproofing.com

Waterproofing Your Cellar

Your most valuable asset is usually your home and any threats that may affect your home have to be taken seriously.

One of those threats can be unseen, and the first sign of it may be a puddle in your cellar or a mildew damp smell. Perhaps even mold on your cellar walls. You may have to waterproof cellar which can be quite expensive, but cannot be ignored.

Depending on the severity of the water the costs can range from a few dollars for a tube of spray foam or thousands of dollars for digging out the perimeter of your cellar and putting in drainage.

Lets start off with the cheapest solution first. Should you discover a crack in your cellar wall that is letting in moisture after heavy rains, wait until a dry period and apply a can of spray foam. The instructions are on the can but just make sure that you wear eye protection and gloves.

A lot of us use the cellar for washing and drying clothes. Because there is a lack of airflow in a cellar any drying of clothes can quickly build up condensation which leads to water running down the walls. A dehumidifier will fix the problem and set you back around $250.

If your cellar is below ground level and you discover a larger crack in the cellar floor or walls it can be caused by the water table raising and exerting extreme pressure, thereby causing a crack. You may need to chisel this wider with a concrete chisel. If possible make a v shape when chiseling. When finished make sure the crack is clean and dry then make up some Hydraulic Cement. This is very fast setting so only do in small batches with protective clothing. This product is extremely good as sets like concrete.

When you have more serious leakage you may need to waterproof your cellar with drain tiles. This can be done internally or externally but is best externally. Externally, is not always a practical solution, as you cannot always get access to the sides of your cellar to dig out enough ground to house the drain.

So, your cellar is leaking and you need to attack waterproofing cellar from the inside. If say, two walls are damp you need to jackhammer the concrete floor at the base of those two walls. Take out enough concrete to house a drain tile. The drain tile itself is about 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep so you will have to take out more concrete than that, especially deep, as it needs to sit on a bed of gravel.

I won't go into the working of a drain tile here but they are very effective. Weep holes need to be drilled into the base of the concrete block walls. Water will run down the walls, out the weep holes and into the drain tile. That water will then flow around the wall and out into a sump pump which you will have to install. When the water level in the sump pump gets to a certain height, the pump will come on and pump the water out through piping you will have to install. This piping will go up the cellar wall, out through a point higher than ground level and drain away to somewhere friendly that you prepared outside.

Carl Lucas is a waterproofing cellar expert. Learn more tips about waterproofing your cellar at http://www.waterproofingcellar.com