From Raw Materials to Sheer Bliss

Who can take a pile of bricks and turn it into a cottage? A contractor can. Who can take a few loads of concrete and turn them into a sidewalk? A contractor can. Now, not all contractors have the same skills. A contractor who primarily works on cottages would probably have difficulty making a sidewalk, for example. However, those in this industry are very used to collaborating and reaching out to others when they come across work they don't specialize in. If you think contractors and their work are awesome, then you've come to the right place. This is a friendly blog where you can read more about the topic.

A Guide To Exterior Basement Waterproofing For Homeowners

Construction & Contractors Blog

Water leaks in your basement can promote mold growth and damage stored items, but these aren't even the worst risks. Leaky basement walls can threaten the structural stability of your home if left unchecked.

Exterior waterproofing provides a complete solution for protecting your basement walls from moisture. This guide will explain the ways that exterior basement waterproofing can benefit your home.

Why Do Basements Need Waterproofing?

Unfortunately, basements are prone to water leaks in wet climates because of the way foundations are built. The space around a home's foundation must be filled in with excavated soil. This soil is loose and absorbent, so it collects large amounts of groundwater. When the soil around a foundation becomes saturated with water, it swells and exerts inward pressure on the foundation walls. This is called hydrostatic pressure.

Hydrostatic pressure forces water into any small cracks in your foundation walls. If moisture penetration is becoming a problem in your basement, you may notice water stains on your walls or basement floor or a lingering musty odor in the basement. These are clear signs that you should consider exterior basement waterproofing.

How Does Exterior Basement Waterproofing Work?

Exterior basement waterproofing involves excavating the soil around a home to install a waterproof barrier around the home's foundation. The barrier typically consists of a sealant and a thin plastic membrane called a dimple board. Bumps in the dimple board collect condensation and redirect it to a French drain or other exterior drainage system.

After the moisture barrier is installed, the space around the foundation is refilled with gravel. Gravel will not swell and create hydrostatic pressure like soil, but it must be supported with exterior waterproofing and a drainage system. Your contractor will install a sump pump for further drainage around the foundation if necessary.

Why Is Exterior Waterproofing the Superior Solution?

Exterior waterproofing is a popular solution among homeowners because it is a permanent solution to basement leaks. After a single exterior waterproofing treatment, you will no longer have to worry about water damage in your basement.

Exterior waterproofing has another big advantage over interior waterproofing solutions: interior waterproofing can only stop water that has already made it through your basement walls. This water that has breached your walls will continue to damage and weaken them over time. Exterior waterproofing is a preventative measure that completely protects your basement from water-related structural damage.

Exterior basement waterproofing is a project that will provide benefits for your home for years to come. Talk to a local waterproofing contractor from a company like Rite-Way Waterproofing to learn more about exterior waterproofing options for your home!

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4 August 2021