10 Waterproofing Tips for Your Basement Before You Finish It
Waterproofing your basement before finishing it is essential to prevent moisture issues and ensure a comfortable, long-lasting space. It also ultimately saves you money and headaches down the road, knowing that you have fully prepped the space and won’t have future water issues.
In this article, we’ll discuss 10 valuable tips to help you effectively waterproof your basement.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect the walls and floor for any cracks or gaps and seal them with hydraulic cement or waterproof caulk. This step helps prevent water from seeping in and causing future damage. If you notice foundation cracks that are wider than 1/8 inch, extend up the foundation walls, form a circular pattern, appear wet, have mold growth around them, display a white flaky substance, or if one side of the crack is higher than the other, then there could be potential structural issues which may require immediate attention to prevent further damage.
- Install a Vapor Barrier: A vapor barrier, placed between the foundation walls and the interior framing, helps prevent moisture from entering your finished basement. Use a high-quality vapor barrier to maximize protection. We use a product called Flexi-Seal. Flexi-Seal provides a reinforced vapor and moisture barrier in your basement. If you have more questions about vapor barriers, reach out to us!
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Check that the grading around your home slopes away from the foundation to direct water away from the basement. Installing yard drainage, downspout lines and/or driveway drains that divert water from the house is also critical.
- Invest in a Sump Pump & Battery Backup System: Finishing a basement is expensive. Safeguarding your furnishings and finishings should be a top priority, which is why investing in a sump pump and battery backup system is essential for preventing water damage. In a power outage, the battery backup system allows the sump pump to continue working, providing peace of mind that your finished basement will remain dry.
- Use a Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier helps reduce humidity levels in the basement. Managing humidity is one of the most crucial steps to protect your home, enhance comfort, and safeguard your family’s health.
- Install Interior Wall Coatings: You can use waterproof paint or sealant on your basement walls as an extra layer of protection. However, sometimes your walls require more than just a coat of paint. At Advanced Basement Solutions, we use interior wall coatings to keep your basement dry and airtight.
- Install an Interior French Drain: If you’re dealing with persistent issues like a wet basement and water seeping near the floor, an interior French Drain may be the ideal solution. This system involves a trench that channels water away from the foundation and directs it into a sump pump basin, effectively managing water intrusion and keeping your basement dry.
- Check Windows and Window Wells: Ensure your basement windows are adequately sealed and consider installing window well covers. Window well covers prevent water from pooling around the windows and seeping inside.
- Inspect Plumbing for Leaks: Before finishing the basement, check all plumbing fixtures and pipes for leaks. Fixing these issues before finishing will help prevent future water damage. Additionally, plan for access panels to any water shutoff valves. (This is also true of the sump pump, gas shutoff valves, and electrical junction boxes.)
- Call Us for a Free Estimate: If you plan to finish your basement but need a professional company to waterproof your space, we can help! We will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the water seepage and any cracks in your basement, using tools like a moisture meter to identify the source of the water intrusion. After assessing the situation, we’ll discuss the most effective solution to keep your home permanently dry. Contact us today for a FREE evaluation!
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We reviewed 10 important tips to help you successfully waterproof your basement. Taking these steps before finishing your basement can save you time, money, and stress, creating a dry, comfortable space that adds value to your home. If you have questions about basement waterproofing, contact us via phone, 412-341-2660, or our website. We look forward to helping you!