Keeping the Damp Monster at Bay

People dream about having a basement, as this space can be used in a variety of ways ranging from recreation to woodworking to mechanics. However, lurking in the ground is a hazard that can quickly turn this dream space into a hazard that promotes mold, mildew and other moisture related problems. The Damp Monster enters the home due to the hydrostatic pressure exerted against the basement floor and the foundations of the house. Hydrostatic pressure in the water table forces water through the cracks in foundation walls, as well as through openings due to the expansion and contraction of the footing-foundation.

Basement waterproofing provides the answer for keeping the Damp Monster at bay as this protection prevents moisture from undermining the house\’s foundation while also preventing moisture-related problems. There are three major measure employed in basement waterproofing. These are: interior sealants, interior water drainage systems, and exterior waterproofing.

The most common ways that water seeps into a basement is through cracks and pipe penetrations. The use of interior sealants, such as epoxies or urethanes, halts this water pathway and prevents spilling, which is when masonry surfaces begin to deteriorate and sheds concrete due to constant high humidity or moisture.

An interior water drainage system, which it is not technically waterproofing, is regarded as a waterproofing technique because it addresses the problem of basement moisture. These systems are recognized by Building Officials and Code Administrators, which is a professional organization that encourages the adoption of uniform building codes.These systems control water by draining it via PVC pipe, also known as a French drain, to a sump pump system, which then pumps the water away from the basement. This basement waterproofing solution also employs water vapor barriers and drip moldings that are installed into the perimeter drain.

It is a prudent and recommended precaution that the sump pump for an interior water drainage system should have a backup power supply that will enable it to work in the case of a power outage. Furthermore, the sump pump pit should have an airtight lid for safety and also to control humidity.

Exterior waterproofing is designed to prevent water from entering the basement foundation. This is the only method of waterproofing that recognized by the International Building Code for the purpose of preventing structural damage to water. Before the 1980s, exterior waterproofing utilized degradable asphalt-based covering around the basement perimeter. However, more recently, polymer-based waterproofing products have been developed, which last for the building\’s lifetime and are not adversely affected by soil PH. Another advantage of polymer-based waterproofing products is that they have a very low viscosity, which means that they can be applied directly to a foundational wall. They cure quickly and remain semi-flexible, which allows for movement of the substrate.

While the forces of nature that force water into basement foundations are formidable, it is possible to keep the Damp Monster under control, as these basement waterproofing techniques work effectively and are powerful enough to control and defeat the Damp Monster.

Looking for a leaky basement service provider can be difficult. Make sure you get information from different sources before you choose your foundation crack repair service provider.

Looking for a leaky basement service provider can be difficult. Make sure you get information from different sources before you choose your foundation crack repair service provider. http://www.waterproofingsolutions.ca

Author Bio: Looking for a leaky basement service provider can be difficult. Make sure you get information from different sources before you choose your foundation crack repair service provider.

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