Despite its appearance, concrete is a rather porous material. This allows the water to seep into the basement. This moisture can make the basement an uncomfortable place. Mold growth, high humidity levels and water damage can also cause damage to the foundation. This damage can cost thousands and thousands of dollars to fix. In addition, the problem will return. These are some of the common ways that a basement can be waterproofed.
Heavy intrusions of water create the need for the installation of a sump pump. This Basement Waterproofing in West Chester PA is usually done in low-lying areas where heavy rains saturate the soil. It is also ideal in situations where rainstorms commonly cause problems in the basement. Sump pumps can remove a lot of water at once. They are often used in conjunction with other means of waterproofing.
The application of a waterproofing wrap on the outside of the basement is one of the most common means of water prevention. A trench is dug around the entire basement. The wrap is applied and secured around the basement. Any seams in the wrap are sealed. The wrap is also tied into the siding of the house to establish the waterproof barrier. The trench is then filled in. This provides an outdoor barrier between the foundation and soil.
The basement waterproofing in West Chester PA can also be accomplished with the application of paint to the interior. This paint is a heavy duty thick brand with waterproofing qualities. This is usually used in basements where water leakage is relatively minor but still needs to be controlled. Unlike the wrapping, the water is stopped after it has entered the concrete. After the paint is dried, drywall, insulation and other items can be added to finish off the basement.
Basements are very susceptible to water intrusion due to the proximity of the soil. Since concrete is porous, the moisture will seep in. The rate this happens depends on the moisture levels in the soil and how much water the concrete has already absorbed. These are a few ways in which this process can be stopped.