Exterior Basement Waterproofing: What You Need To Know
While it might seem like a small detail, waterproofing your exterior basement flooring is essential to keeping your home safe from water damage. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about exterior basement waterproofing, including the different types of waterproofing products and how to choose the right one for your home.
What is exterior basement waterproofing?
There are two main types of exterior basement waterproofing – membrane and waterproofing membranes. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, but in the end, it comes down to a choice between cost and effectiveness.
Membrane exterior basement waterproofing systems use a synthetic membrane material to seal the basement walls and floors from water infiltration. The advantage of membrane systems is that they are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, with little or no need for regular maintenance. Membrane systems can be effective in preventing water from entering the basement, but they may not be as effective at keeping moisture out.
Waterproofing membranes are made of polyurethane or other materials, and are installed over the top of the existing concrete foundation walls and floor. They function much like a window screen: Water cannot penetrate through the membrane, but moisture will seep through from the outside. As water seeps through the membrane, it causes expansion and contraction of the material, which can cause cracks in the concrete foundation wall or floor surface.
While waterproofing membranes offer many advantages over traditional exterior basement waterproofing systems – including greater resistance to water penetration and prevention of moisture accumulation – they do have some disadvantages as well. Most notably, waterproofing membranes are more expensive than traditional systems, require more maintenance (including regular inspection for signs of water infiltration), and may not be as effective at preventing moisture from entering the basement
Types of exterior basement waterproofing
If you live in a climate where the ground occasionally floods, or if you have an unfinished basement that tends to stay wet and damp, then you may want to consider installing exterior basement waterproofing. There are a few different types of exterior basement waterproofing available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
One type of exterior basement waterproofing is called membrane roofing. This type of waterproofing uses a layer of plastic or rubberized material to cover the roof of your home or basement. The membrane is attached to the roof with screws or nails, and it is designed to let water pass through but keep moisture out. membrane roofing can be expensive, and it may not be suitable for all climates.
Another type of exterior basement waterproofing is called caulking. Caulking is a sealant made from liquid latex and other materials that can be applied directly onto the outside walls of your home or basement. Caulking can be inexpensive, but it may not last as long as membrane roofing or other types of exterior basement waterproofing.
The final type of exterior basement waterproofing is called weepboarding. Weepboarding uses flexible boards that are attached to the outside walls of your home or basement using special screws or nails. Weepboarding allows water to run off the boards but prevents moisture from entering your home through the cracks in the boards. Weepboarding can be more expensive than other types of exterior basement waterproofing, but it may also last longer
How does exterior basement waterproofing work?
Basement waterproofing systems are becoming more and more popular because of the benefits they offer homeowners. Waterproofing your basement can help protect it from moisture, decay, and even flooding. There are a few different types of waterproofing systems available, but all of them work in basically the same way. First, a sealant is applied to the exterior walls, ceiling, and floor of the basement. This sealant helps stop water from seeping through the foundation and into the basement. Then, special waterproofing materials are used to cover the sealant.
These materials help trap water inside the basement and keep it from coming up through the floors or walls. Finally, a system is installed to pump water out of the basement if it becomes flooded. By using these three steps, exterior basement waterproofing can help protect your home from many problems down below!
Cost of exterior basement waterproofing
If you’re considering waterproofing your exterior basement walls, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the cost of the project will vary depending on the type of waterproofing material and whether it needs to be installed above or below ground. Second, make sure you have all of the necessary permits before beginning work. Finally, be sure to read through the following tips to help ensure a successful installation.
When deciding on the type of waterproofing material to use for your exterior basement walls, there are a few factors to consider. Type 1 sealers are a good option if you want an instant solution that won’t require regular maintenance. However, these products can be more expensive than other types of sealers and they tend to require more time and labor to install. Type 2 sealers are less expensive than type 1 sealers and they offer longer-term protection, but they also require more frequent maintenance.
If you decide to use type 2 sealers, make sure you have enough equipment on hand to apply them correctly. These products can be very thick and application can be difficult if not done correctly. Also, make sure you have access to proper ventilation during application so that fumes from the product don’t cause problems for your family or home.
Once you’ve chosen the type of waterproofing material and selected a supplier, it’s important to get permission from your municipality before starting work. Many municipalities have laws requiring a permit for any kind of construction in or near water
Conclusion
If you live in a climate where exterior basement waterproofing is important, then you need to be aware of the different types of basement waterproofing that are available and understand what each one can do for your home. In this article, we will discuss the different exterior basement waterproofing methods and what benefits they offer. We will also provide a list of things to consider before choosing which system is right for your home. Finally, we will give you an overview of some popular systems so that you can compare prices and quality. Thank you for reading!
