Waterproofing is a primary component of Pennsylvania household care and upkeep. It prevents the potential for water damage from moisture and water pooling in the basements through cracks and crevices in the walls and floors. It will also avoid the possibility of musty or foul odors.
The basement is among the most vulnerable spaces for water invasion due to its position beneath ground level. As a homeowner, finding the most suitable waterproofing solution and allowing a professional to guide you through the process is essential.
With Basement Waterproofing York PA, experts take every precaution to ensure homes can withstand the bouts of heavy rainfall specific to the area. These teams are explicitly trained to diagnose the problem, decide on an adequate waterproofing solution, and make recommendations on moving forward with corrections.
Tips On Waterproofing Basement Walls
Basements are prone to being damp, cool, and musty; however, homeowners in Pennsylvania are exposed to heavy storms and rainfall, adding to what could turn into an environment of mold, mildew, and other problems.
Instead of neglecting the pools of water on the floor, wet walls, or the possibility of flooding, it's vital to reach out to experts to have the basement waterproofed. Learn the benefits of basement waterproofing and then follow here for red flags showing you should seal your basement.
- Moisture along the walls
- Bowing/cracking walls
- Staining
- Pest infestations
- Sticking/warped doors
- Musty/foul odors
- Mold or mildew presence
Water intrusion can impact the foundation's integrity, and resultant mold and mildew can affect individual safety and health, particularly for those suffering from respiratory issues. When addressing water issues, homeowners have the opportunity to use space that was otherwise wasted.
The waterproofing expert will assess your problem to decide the most suitable solution. Because the walls in most basements are usually concrete, the material is water-resistant but porous.
This means when not adequately sealed, water will absorb into the surface. Here are the types of coatings typically used by the experts.
Waterproof paneling/plastic sheets
These effectively hold the water in between the sheet and the wall, forcing it to travel into the sump pump or drainage system. This system is noted to be more costly than other possibilities.
Silicate seal
Concrete seals, like silicate, penetrate the material to close cracks and crevices. This is not something you can apply over a painted surface. Any substance covering the concrete must be removed before using the seal.
In that same vein, waterproof coatings must go directly onto the concrete. Paint or other substances covering the concrete need to be removed before using waterproof coatings. These seals can be applied to concrete or other sorts of masonry using a brush specific for this application.
Waterproofing paints
Interior waterproofing paint is applied in a generous layer over any other sealer to supplement the protection.
Before waterproofing, any standing water should be removed after finding the source. Walls should be cleaned and prepped with leaks sealed and the waterproof coating applied according to manufacturer instructions – If you prefer a DIY approach.
Should You DIY Basement Waterproofing
It's recommended to enlist the services of a professional waterproofing service for optimum results that will last. However, there are steps you can follow if you opt for a do-it-yourself process. Click for details on waterproofing basement walls. Then, we'll further explain when hiring an expert is better.
All pooled water should be removed
Before taking any steps in a basement where moisture or pooled water exists, the electricity should be turned off to the space to prevent the threat of electrocution.
The first step is to inspect the sump pump or drains to see if these failed; perhaps there's a block. The standing water should be sopped up using a mop or wet vac.
If there's a way to extend fans or a dehumidifier to the space to help reduce the humidity, you should do so, plus clean the space with a water/bleach solution as long as the area is adequately ventilated to avoid the development of mold and mildew.
Figure out the leak source
When trying to find the underlying cause of the leak, the recommendation is to "tape a square of tin foil roughly 1' X 1' to the basement wall," where it will stay for roughly 24 hours. You can then watch for the location of the condensation.
If moisture appears on the exterior face of the tin foil, that's a sign that the basement is overly humid. Before the space can be waterproofed, it needs to be dehumidified with adequate ventilation in the environment.
When condensation builds up on the side of the tin foil facing the wall, the moisture must be addressed using waterproofing because the water is entering from the outside.
Before sealing walls, any material covering the concrete, like paint, must be removed for the waterproofing to be effective. When handling this part of the process, proper PPE- personal protective equipment, including gloves and a ventilator mask, must be used for safety.
The walls should be scrubbed using a dry brush to eliminate debris. Masonry consists of a white powder referred to as "efflorescence." which is readily removed with a muriatic acid solution.
Once the area dries, use a wire brush to scrub with an acetone application to take the paint off. Rinse and repeat the step as often as necessary to remove all the paint. You'll then be ready to seal and begin the waterproofing process.
Final Thought
Homeowners in Pennsylvania can choose the do-it-yourself approach to basement waterproofing, beginning with the steps provided. You'll need to be versed in the process and have sufficient tools and equipment for successful results.
It's recommended to enlist the services of a professional who has been trained and offers a solid skill set in the processes, especially if you're having frequent problems.
Preventing and mitigating pooling water, moisture on walls, and foul odors makes the basement a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment that can be used instead of wasting that valuable space.
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