Construction & Contractors Blog
A wet basement can lead to interior damage, especially in finished basements or in storage areas. It also can raise the humidity in your home, leading to dampness throughout and an increased chance of mold and mildew. Fortunately, you have several waterproofing options that fall into two main categories – interior or exterior. This guide can help you determine which method is best for you.
Basic Waterproofing Options
Exterior options for basement waterproofing include the addition of drain fields or the application of an exterior membrane or waterproof coating. There are generally more interior options to consider, including interior coatings, epoxy crack filling, subfloor drainage systems, or baseboard channels. Interior options are often less expensive, although not always.
Exterior Waterproofing
Opt for exterior waterproofing if you want to ensure there will be no future problems. It's most suitable for ongoing severe leaks inside the basement, or to rid your home of permanent basement dampness. Exterior waterproofing does require more time, since the ground will need to be excavated down to the base of the basement foundation.
Once excavation is complete, the waterproofing contractor will either install a waterproof membrane to the outside of your basement walls, or they will apply a thick coating of an epoxy sealer. If drainage around your home is also a problem, they may construct a drain field near your home or install French drains around the perimeter of the house as they fill in the excavation.
Interior Solutions
These solutions are generally only good for infrequent leaks, such as those that occur after heavy rains, mild wall dampness, or leaks caused by damage to the basement walls. The type you choose depends on the type of leak, and sometimes a combination of methods is done.
If you still aren't sure which option is best for your leaking basement, contact a local waterproofing contractor like Central Penn Waterproofing. They can help you locate the main source of the leak so you can narrow down your options to the best fix.
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19 June 2015
When I decided that I wanted to go to culinary school, I knew that I wanted to be able to really practice what I was learning at home. As I stepped back and looked at my home kitchen, it really needed help. I talked with a local remodeling contractor about how we could create a more comprehensive and functional kitchen. The process included taking out a wall, expanding the kitchen footprint and upgrading all of the appliances. I created this site once it was done to share my story and tell others about the things that you can do to make your kitchen really feel like your own.