Flooded basements can present a wide variety of problems.
First of all, they have the capability of damaging a building's structure.
They can also pose other serious problems such as mold, bacterial infections, potential damage to natural gas lines, electricity lines and so on.
Thus, it is no surprise that basement waterproofing services are in great demand.
A good basement waterproofing job will also increase the value of your property when the time comes around for you to sell it.
It is also a great long term investment as most contractors who carry out basement waterproofing will give a warranty on their work.
This will allow you to have them fix your basement for free in case you experience some problems with their waterproofing measures after they have done the work in your basement.
That being said, here are the basic ways in which a professional contractor will carry out basement waterproofing in your home.
•The contractor will first inspect the quality of your basement to determine the amount of prep work that will be needed.
If your basement walls and floors have cracks and gaps, he will first attend to those as there is no point in waterproofing a basement that has leaks into it.
He will make use of various mortar mixes to close the gaps in the walls and the floors.
•The contractor will then inspect the outside of the basement to see if there will be any remedial measures to be installed to prevent basement flooding.
Generally, the ground around the basement walls will have to slope away from the walls.
If your landscaping is not in good order, he will install drain pipes or dig trenches around the walls to protect the basement waterproofing that will eventually be installed.
Waterproofing will resist water although no material on earth is completely resistant against water and moisture.
Thus, it is very important that the outside of the basement is also well prepared.
•The contractor will then use special waterproofing mixes on the basement walls and floors.
There are many different types of epoxy compounds that can be used and only a contractor will know what type of waterproofing compound will be the best choice for your basement.
He will first prepare the walls by scrubbing them and then by making them moist with water before he applies the basement waterproofing mix.
He will use special techniques for certain problems that might be difficult to carry out on your own.
For example, a contractor will use something called a dovetail joint that has a very high resistance against heavy water seepage.
Thus, if you want a waterproofing service for your basement that will last you a long time without giving you any worries, it is best that you call for a professional contractor instead of trying to carry out the work yourself.