As important as water is in our lives, it can also cause a world of trouble for homeowners. When water gets into the house it can stain walls, ruin furniture and carpets, destroy expensive electronics, cause mold and damage important interior home structures. Keeping water out of the house with exterior waterproofing solutions is an important part of maintaining a dry interior, but when water does find its way in, it’s a good idea for homeowners to have a backup plan. Here are three interior basement waterproofing techniques that homeowners can use to prevent excessive water damage in their home:
- Seal Cracks – Cracks in basement walls are one of the first interior basement waterproofing issues that should be looked at. When there are holes in the walls, it makes it easy for water from the outside to seep in and cause leaky basement walls and moisture in the basement. Concrete sealants can be injected into basement cracks to form a seal to prevent water from coming in. There are DIY sealants available for homeowners who want to tackle the problem on their own, but for bigger cracks, a waterproofing expert may be needed.
- Waterproofing Interior Basement Walls – Sealing cracks in basement walls is the first step to preventing water from leaking in, but it won’t stop water damage altogether. After cracks are sealed, a waterproofing coating should be applied to the walls. Waterproofing coatings form a permanent bond to concrete basement walls and prevent dampness and moisture from building up on the walls and causing water damage.
- Basement Sump Pump – Sealants and waterproof coatings are good interior basement waterproofing techniques for keeping leaks and moisture at bay, but they don’t help to get rid of major water issues. A basement sump pump can be installed in the basement to take in excess water and drain it outside and away from the home. Basement sump pumps need to be installed by a professional waterproofing expert, but they are well worth the extra costs.
Sealants, waterproof coatings and basement sump pumps are all very useful interior methods of preventing major water damage in a home. When water gets in, it can cause a number of serious issues, and can even compromise the integrity of a home’s foundation. Taking steps to prevent water damage can help keep a home and everyone in it happy and safe. Read this for more.