Top Methods to Waterproof a Basement

Is your basement humid? Does it smell musty? While this is a common occurrence with basements, that’s actually a bad sign. This means you have a moisture problem and moisture is bad news for basements. It can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even worse, it can compromise your home’s structural integrity.

Whether you’re dealing with humidity or rainwater, you’ll want to waterproof your basement to protect it against moisture damage.

There are a few basement waterproofing methods to choose from, which we’ll explain further below.

Interior Basement Waterproofing

Interior waterproofing methods are generally the easiest and most affordable. This includes patching up holes and cracks in the foundation to ensure they’re watertight. Water often makes its way into the basement through these gaps so properly sealing them is a great first defense in keeping your basement dry.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

While waterproof sealants are a great way to keep moisture levels down in your basement, it’s important to get to the root of the problem. Exterior basement waterproofing generally involves excavating the soil around the foundation and applying a polymer-based waterproof coating to the exterior walls–that should last the life of the home.

Basement Drainage System

A poor drainage system is another culprit for basement moisture problems. Whether it’s rainwater or groundwater, when water isn’t properly diverted away from your home, it will pool around it and eventually seep into your basement, causing it to weaken and crack over time. To start, make sure your gutters and downspouts are installed correctly and working effectively. Sometimes they get clogged with debris, damaged by rodents or worn by the elements.

Also, take a look at the slope around your foundation. It should slope away from the foundation. If improper drainage is the source of the problem, a sump pump may be recommended to redirect water away from the foundation.

Experts in Basement Waterproofing

Your basement is the foundation of your home, so it’s important to maintain it, especially if you live below ground level. If you’re looking to protect your Portland OR area home against water damage, the team at Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters is here for you. We have over 30 years of experience and will make your basement waterproofing process quick and easy. Contact us today for your free personalized estimate!