Exterior Waterproofing for Basement
Exterior Waterproofing prevents water intrusion into a basement.
In order for a basement to be completely waterproof, it needs to have protection
from subsurface water for all of the below grade walls. All of this protection
must span from grade level down to a depth deeper than the basement floor.
Lindsley Waterproofing uses state-of-the-art waterproofing materials—usually
a 56-mil, pliable, rubber-like membrane to prevent wall penetration of water.
Successfully blocking the sub-surface water from basement walls is not enough.
We can’t just ‘wish’ the water away. We must provide a means
of getting rid of the water that has been blocked by the waterproofing materials.
Otherwise water would build up outside the foundation walls. Water doesn’t
stack very well so it usually finds its way to the area under the basement
floor and then rises from under the floor as it tries to ‘seek it’s
own level’. Disastrous floods can, and very often do, occur without
a single drop of water penetrating the basement walls. Waterproofing without
drainage is destined to fail. You’d be better off having good drainage
and no waterproofing!!! (A good roof isn’t even close to being waterproof
but since it drains so well, there’s not a problem.) Basement drainage
is much more difficult—it has to be deeper than the basement floor which
is sometimes very deep in the ground.
There are two methods of getting rid of the water that waterproofing has blocked
from the walls—installing a gravity drain or installing a pump system.
A gravity drain is a downhill pipe sloped away from the house. It’s
often referred to as a ‘tail line’. A gravity drain is the preferred
method but there must be a destination for this pipe, or pipes, well below
the basement level to which the water can flow. If there is no such destination
on the property, the second method of water disposal is unavoidable—a
pump system must then be used. Sometimes a pump system is opted for because
it costs less and is easier to install.
Exterior Waterproofing & drainage is by far the best protection for a
basement. It’s used almost exclusively when houses are being built.
However, in ‘retrofit’ situations—not-so-new houses with
established landscaping, connected utilities, air conditioners, patios, decks,
additions, garages, etc., Exterior Waterproofing can be at best impractical—if
not close to impossible.
For a less expensive approach to correcting a flooding or leaky basement,
see the section Interior
De-Watering.
For more information and help determining if Exterior Waterproofing is best
for your basement, please contact us
to schedule a FREE inspection and consultation.
Why Exterior Waterproofing
Standing water and heavy moisture can lead to a build up of mold, mildew
and fungus on the joists in the basement, not only can mold lead to wood-rot
and costly repairs, it can be quite damaging to your health. Lindsley Waterproofing
will brush and scrape all mold, mildew and fungus from floor joists and spray
an insecticide/fungicide to hinder any return of it in the future.
Water concealed below grade can get under the footings in a foundation,
and then destabilize the structural integrity of your home or business. This
can lead to cracked foundation walls and footings, and costly repairs. Exterior
waterproofing will prevent any water from damaging your home and save you
thousands of dollars in the long run.
For more information exterior waterproofing your basement, or to schedule
a FREE inspection please contact us.
