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.
