Methods for floor waterproofing of the basement

Why is basement floor waterproofing so often overlooked, when if it was done when the basement was built, there would be fewer problems with seepage and flooding? Many people think basements are just concrete storage spaces for things you don't use very often. These days, many individuals recognize that such an area can be used for other things besides more bedrooms, living rooms and dens.

Many homeowners go years without a water problem and then develop one due to the existing sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogging with mud.

If water from the roof is not directed far enough away from the foundation, then the soil becomes too saturated. As the home stabilizes, wall fissures appeared, exterior paintings decayed and the drains filled with sand or silt. A leakage in the basement might result from all these problems. Natural pressure from the soil against the foundation will cause flowing ground water to enter through any cracks or crevices in your foundation. The higher the level of water, the greater the pressure. If water is pressurized, concrete cannot withstand it, concrete will surely break because the water will seek all cracks or crevices in the walls and floors. Without proper preparation,  torrential rains could cause flooding in basements or crawlspaces.

Pressure relief systems are a good way to prevent hydrostatic water from entering your home. However when the electricity goes out, most likely during a  rainstorm, primary pumps cannot work. As pressure increases the floor or wall will be penetrated by moisture. (usually called bleeding). Seepage is often found where the wall meets the floor around the corners and joints.

If you think that water is comming out of an isolated area, you can lower the water table and the underground hydrostatic pressure by using an easy-to-install sump pump below your floor table. Water vapor will go right through concrete since it is porous. This moisture makes it feel even colder, causes carpet or other floor covering to rot, allows mold to grow, and causes the basement to smell musty.

One solution is to use one of the high-grade sealants that are available on the market for the home-owner. These can often be painted, rollered or sprayed on.

A normal basement floor waterproofing job may entail:

- preparing the floor by removing crumbly or loose material.
- Use large fans and heaters as needed to make sure the basement floor is as dry as it can be.
- Assuring that the wall/floor junctions are sealed off.
- filling any particularly noticeable cracks or joints.
- Priming the floor when the product calls for the use of a primer.
Spread two or three coats which is just right top-coating of the final product.

A high quality product will result in basement floor waterproofing that can last for years and years. There exist sealants in the market like PermaFlex which has lasting and durable basement floor waterproofing. This is arguably the only waterproofing system that is suitable for indoor use that will result in the complete sealing of a basement floor, no matter what sort of state it might be in. And it is considerably cheaper than other type of work as it does not involve pipes or pumps!