YOUR GUIDE
TO BASEMENT
WATERPROOFING
Polyurea Protective Coatings For Preventing Water Damage
UNDERSTANDING BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Water damage poses one of the greatest risks to the safety and functionality of basements. As water seeps into a basement, it follows the path of least resistance, migrating throughout the space and building up when it has nowhere else to go or when retained by absorbent building materials. If left unchecked, compromised basements are susceptible to the many serious consequences of water damage, like toxic mold or mildew and even material failure that can lead to structural disasters. Many newer homes are built with lessons learned, and typically now comprise graded lots that direct water away from basements to minimize the risk of water infiltration. Unfortunately, while this is becoming more common, graded lots have yet to be integrated into all new builds, and it’s common for older homes to have neither graded lots nor even the most rudimentary basement waterproofing. To ensure basements stay safe and dry in any home, several different basement waterproofing methods can be used, and comprise of a few primary approaches:
EXTERIOR WATERPROOFING
The first and most effective basement waterproofing method is exterior waterproofing. Soil is excavated around a home’s foundation, and the newly exposed surfaces are coated with a waterproof coating like polyurea. After curing, the soil is returned to again surround the foundation, leaving the home insulated with a watertight and corrosion resistant protective layer. Exterior waterproofing is considered the most effective method, as it prevents water from entering the home in the first place, leaving little to no chance of penetrating walls to risk any type of water damage. But while it’s the most effective, it’s also the most labor intensive, often taking longer and costing more than other waterproofing methods. However, compared to the costs and project timelines in case of serious water damage, the costs of exterior waterproofing pale in comparison, making it a cost-effective long-term solution.
INTERIOR WATERPROOFING
After securing the exterior of your home, the next best method for basement waterproofing is to protect against any water that has already entered your basement, referred to as interior waterproofing. Unlike exterior waterproofing which always refers to a type of protective layer, interior waterproofing comprises many different techniques, which can use sealants and coatings like polyurea, or drainage systems like sump pumps. Interior waterproofing is generally considered less effective than exterior waterproofing, because it fails to prevent water incursion in the first place. However, interior waterproofing is easier to apply, and can be installed cheaper and more quickly. Depending on a home’s local environment and history of damage and repair, interior waterproofing may provide the best balance of cost and performance.
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Effective drainage systems, such as French drains or perimeter drains, are crucial for directing water away from your foundation. These systems work in conjunction with waterproofing measures to ensure water is properly managed.
POLYUREA: THE BEST PROTECTIVE COATING
FOR BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Polyurea has become one of the most prolific coating technologies across numerous industries, thanks to its myriad of unique properties and performance capabilities. For basement waterproofing, polyurea has become invaluable, reliably protecting basements from the risk of water damage. Here are just a few of the key reasons why polyurea is the ultimate coating solution for basement waterproofing:
DURABILITY & FLEXIBILITY
Polyurea coatings exhibit a unique combination of durability and flexibility. They’re strong enough to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations or shifting structural elements, but pliable enough to do so without cracking or otherwise deteriorating. They’re also highly resistant to water or corrosive chemicals, ready to withstand anything from high moisture environments to prolonged exposures to oils or solvents. Together, this makes polyurea perfect for basement waterproofing, where walls can expand or contract with changing weather, or be exposed to moisture-rich environments.
RAPID CURE
Polyurea is renowned for its ease of application and rapid cure time, which can be a significant advantage for many coatings projects. It sets within minutes, facilitating minimal downtime and a faster return to service compared to other coating materials. For basement waterproofing, this means avoiding days out of the home, or living with constant ongoing work and an unusable space. With polyurea, basement waterproofing can be finished in a single day, turning a once marathon of an installation into an easy solution for lasting peace of mind.
LASTING PERFORMANCE
Polyurea’s unmatched durability and robust chemical resistance means that it lasts longer and performs better than alternative coating technologies. Polyurea coatings require minimal maintenance, and with proper care, can last for up to several decades with little to no further investment. For basement waterproofing, this lasting protection can mean saving thousands of dollars in long-term repairs and replacements, and keeps a home and its occupants safe and dry for years to come.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
While a newer home might have a properly graded exterior lot, it does not guarantee protection from water seepage into the basement. Improperly graded soil, drainage issues, and erosion can still result in water infiltration, and having a backup plan is always a wise decision. Basement waterproofing can help ensure that any home stays safe and dry.
While drainage systems can remove a significant amount of water from a basement, water may still be absorbed into construction materials, or accumulate in certain areas outside the range of pumps or sumps. Exterior or interior waterproofing with protective coatings help better ensure basements are protected from the risks of water damage, separating surfaces from water, inside or out.
Polyurea coatings are renowned for their robust physical properties and strong chemical resistance, which has seen their use in countless different applications. This includes basement waterproofing, where polyurea coatings effectively keep water out, and effortlessly resistant corrosion. This has made them one of the best solutions for basement waterproofing, ready to protect almost any home.
latest news & bLOGS
BE YOUR OWN BOSS START A WATERPROOFING BUSINESS
The coatings industry is booming, as protective coatings are being used today more than ever before. Nowhere is this more true than for basement waterproofing, where polyurea coatings are being used to keep basements safe and dry, protecting against the risks of water damage. Always in demand, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall or changing weather patterns, there are many great opportunities to join the coatings industry. If you’re ready to start your new career in the coatings industry, consider partnering with ArmorThane. With only a small investment and no franchise fees or other ongoing costs, we’ll provide you with everything you need to start your own coatings business. This includes materials, equipment, training, and support, helping you every step of the way to see you carve your own path as a successful business owner. If you’re interested in learning more, or want to discover any of ArmorThane’s products and services, contact us today! Our 24/7 customer service and technical support teams are always ready to help, so you’re only one call away from beginning your entrepreneurial journey!
NO FRANCHISE FEES
No franchise fees or royalties, makes it a relatively low cost venture.
TRAINING PROVIDED
We provide personalized
polyurea training to get your system up and going.
polyurea training to get your system up and going.
24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Dedicated support team ready to assist you anytime you need us.
