Basement waterproofing has several benefits and in order to inspire you, here are the top 5 reasons why you should water proof your basement:
Improve the value of your home
Properties with habitable basements could potentially increase their value by 25% or more. Many homeowners are under the misconception that basement waterproofing is an expensive, time-consuming hassle with no real benefits. However with the right products, once completed it can increase the property’s value so much that it outweighs the cost of the waterproofing process.
Potential buyers can quite easily be put off buying a property if the basement is not waterproof. Homeowners who fail to repair their basements usually find their properties on the market for a lot longer than homes with a habitable basement.
Buyers will also be attracted to a habitable basement as many home owners use the extra space for storage, gyms or games rooms.
Health and well-being
Prolonged exposure to visible mould, water damage or dampness can increase the risk of a number of diseases including asthma, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and eczema. As well as skin allergies and respiratory infections, there is also sufficient evidence associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and damp buildings. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a rare inflammatory lung disease with symptoms of cough, difficulty breathing, and fever.
Research has revealed that babies, children and elderly people are more prone to skin and respiratory conditions due to damp and mould.
Waterproofing protects against mould and fungal rot infestations
Basements that are not waterproof will begin to produce nasty mould and fungal rot infestations. Basement waterproofing will ensure that these infestations are treated as well as preventing future outbreaks. Mould and rot growths are the initial warning signs of damp. If left untreated, the problem will only get worse. These infestations will need to be treated using advanced damp proofing products to ensure that the infestations are destroyed.
Mould thrives off moist surfaces, therefore if you waterproof your basement you are effectively removing their food source, causing the mould to die because the surface will become dry.
Electrical Fault Concerns
If significant amounts of moisture and water seep inside your basements walls, this may pose a dangerous threat to your health. Moisture is a perfect conductor of electrical currents. If electrical outlets or plugs become moist, this could pose a serious threat of electric shock. If you notice an electrical outlet which is slightly moist, turn off the electricity immediately and seek professional help from a qualified electrician. A small amount of water can begin to corrode a wire and make it incredibly dangerous to touch, so you must act immediately with caution.
Further Damage
Damp basements which are left untreated will cause major structural problems, costing a lot of money to repair. For example, if water ingress is not treated, dry rot will continue to thrive causing major structural problems which could cost costing a lot of money to remediate.
What’s involved in the basement waterproofing process?
Basement waterproofing can be achieved in two ways, either by blocking the passage of water into the building with external waterproofing or cementitious waterproofing.
An external structural waterproofing system is designed to help waterproof new build cellers to earth retaining walls. An external waterproofing system firstly waterproofs the substrate by applying a liquid waterproofing material with a brush or trowel. Next, the system removes hydrostatic water pressure from the building with a specially designed Cavity drain membrane.
With the rise of local water tables, more basements and earth retaining walls are being subjected to hydrostatic water pressure leading to water ingress into the building. An external waterproofing system will alleviate this problem and further risks of damage will be reduced.
For more information on external structural waterproofing click here: http://www.permagard.co.uk/external-waterproofing.html
Cementitous waterproofing is a relatively easy process because the materials are usually readily available from a supplier. For cementitious waterproofing to work effectively, it is important that you prepare the surface before treatment takes place. All previous coatings of plaster, renders, paint etc must be removed back to the original masonry substrate.
The essential thing to remember when applying wall tanking products to concrete is that there must be a key for the product to bond to. A bonding slurry coat may be used on water proofing concrete which then provides a key for the wall tanking product to adhere to.
Applying wall tanking products is relatively easy and can be applied simply with a priming spray to the affected area. A minimum of two coats are recommended, but this will depend on the product you use. Wait at least 24 hours between coatings before apply another coating.
For more information on cementitious waterproofing click here: http://www.permagard.co.uk/cement-tanking.html
The most established and trusted manufacturers of basement waterproofing membranes are Newton Membranes and Delta membranes. Their products are designed specifically to control the passage of water using several systems including cavity drain membranes, drainage channels and sump and pump systems.
Newton Membranes and Delta Membranes are available in different sizes and materials depending on the waterproofing problem. You can find Newton Membranes and Delta Membranes from Permagard.co.uk, manufacturer and supplier of specialist products for the restoration, building, building renovation & maintenance markets.
