Basement Waterproofing Made Easy (DIY)

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A wet basement can be a major headache for homeowners. It can cause mold, mildew, and structural damage, and it can make the basement unusable. But there is good news: basement waterproofing is a relatively easy process that can be done yourself.

There are two main types of basement waterproofing: interior and exterior. Interior waterproofing involves sealing the inside of the basement walls and floors to prevent water from seeping in. Exterior waterproofing involves installing a drainage system around the foundation to divert water away from the home.

Interior Waterproofing

The most common type of interior waterproofing is to use a sealant. Sealants are available in both liquid and paint form, and they can be applied to concrete, masonry, and wood. Sealants work by filling in the tiny cracks and pores in the basement walls and floors, making it more difficult for water to penetrate.

Another option for interior waterproofing is to install a sump pump. A sump pump is a device that sits in a sump pit in the basement and pumps out any water that collects. Sump pumps are especially important in areas with high water tables or where there is a lot of rain.

Exterior Waterproofing

Exterior waterproofing is a more complex process than interior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing involves installing a drainage system around the foundation of the home. The drainage system consists of a series of pipes that collect water from the ground around the foundation and divert it away from the home.

Drainage systems can be made of a variety of materials, including plastic, clay, and concrete. The type of material that you choose will depend on the soil conditions around your home.

Which Type of Waterproofing is Right for You?

The best type of waterproofing for your home will depend on the specific circumstances. If you have a small basement with a few cracks, then interior waterproofing may be sufficient. However, if you have a large basement with a lot of water problems, then exterior waterproofing may be a better option.

If you are not sure which type of waterproofing is right for you, it is a good idea to consult with a professional. A professional can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the best solution.

How to Waterproof Your Basement Yourself:

If you decide to waterproof your basement yourself, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

1. First, you need to make sure that the basement is dry before you start. If there is any standing water, you will need to pump it out or remove it with a wet/dry vacuum.
2. Once the basement is dry, you can start sealing the walls and also the floors using SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ Waterproofing Membrane. Typically 2 coats are needed for a complete waterproofing and sealing of your basement.
3. At floor to wall joints, an easy to install anti-fracture fabric is used to handle flexing in these areas. This should be done as per our waterproofing membrane product specifications.
4. Due to its exceptional bond strength and elasticity Liquid Membrane can effectively adhere to a variety of basement wall and floor surfaces while offering a broad range of color options. The Semco Anti-fracture fabric is used at the floor to wall joint to handle any movement at that connection. A 5 gallon bucket of Liquid Membrane covers about 800 sq ft of surface at 2 coats.
5. While the Liquid Membrane product is paintable it also comes in a wide variety of colors offering both a waterproof surface but also a finish paint material. Liquid Membrane is applied in a 4 coat 60 mil system and reduces RH up to 75%. It can handle a vapor transmission rate of up to 10 PSI. The next time you see water trickling into your basement give us a call or order online at semcofl.com.

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