Basement tanking in the UK has become very popular, the reason for this is that having a moist basement water leak is not an uncommon problem; in fact, most people will face this problem with their basement or cellar at some point. The reason that this is such a common problem among homeowners is that the foundation of a house is often not constructed with the intent of permanent waterproofing as a feature. For this reason many homeowners find that cellar tanking is the best way to waterproof their basements, and convert the area into useful living space.
Before you consider basement waterproofing it is important to discover where the wetness in your basement waterproof is coming from. Once you know how the dampness is entering your basement you can better find a solution to the problem.
In some cases the source of the moisture in your basement will be obvious because the amount of water seeping into the basement leak will be enough to determine where the wetness is coming from, but in other situations the source may not be as easily found. In other cases, your basement may seem as if it stays completely dry, when in fact there are occasional damp spots that go unnoticed.
One way in which you can determine if your basement does have a moisture problem, and where that wetness is coming from is to tape a piece of tin foil or plastic to the wall. Ensure that all sides of the foil or plastic are completely sealed with tape and let it set for at about 24 hours.
When you return to check the plastic or foil, it should be dry on both sides, if it isn’t then you do have a moisture problem in your basement. If there is water accumulation on the outside of the foil or plastic, then basement wetness is being caused by condensation, but if the water is on the inside of the taped area the problem is seepage.
Additional ways that you can detect dampness in your basement may include a tidemark on the walls. If your moisture is continually accumulating on your basement walls you will be able to see tidemarks on the cement or masonry.
A basement that has a problem with moisture will also have a musty odor that you will not be able to get rid of, no matter how much you clean. To eliminate the odor you have to eliminate the wetness in the basement.
In nearly all cases the wetness in a basement can be attributed to either seepage or condensation; fortunately both of these problems can be fixed, but how you fix the problem will depend on the source of the basement dampness.
To solve water buildup in the basement through condensation you will have to reduce the moisture in the air through better airflow. If you live in a humid region, it may be necessary to install fans that will pull moist air out of the basement and direct it outdoors, or keep the basement windows closed during especially humid weather. Another option could be to install a dehumidifier in your basement to pull moisture out of the air.
Another easy to fix water accumulation problem is when the source is flooded window wells or stairwells. To prevent water getting in your basement due to flooded window wells or stairwells, you will most likely have to adjust the gutters and install plastic well covers. Stairwells are famous for becoming flooded due to the drain being plugged by debris; one of the best solutions to fix this problem is to build a roof over the stairwell.
If the wetness in your basement is due to seepage, waterproofing treatments may be your best option for eliminating moisture in the basement. The most common methods of cellar waterproofing is the use of tanking slurry to waterproof the brickwork or cement, but another method of basement waterproofing is to the use of studded membranes to seal the basement walls.
Tanking slurry is a compound that is made up of elements that provides a sealant to protect your basement from water seepage and dampness. This method of cellar waterproofing works best when several coats are applied to the wall to provide the most water resistance. The tanking slurry is applied either by being sprayed onto the surface, or with a trowel. As the slurry dries, it bonds with the brick or cement to create a strong, waterproof barrier against both moisture and hydrostatic ground water.
The membrane cellar tanking method requires that a frame be erected along the interior wall, and special waterproof plastic membrane be attached to the frame with studs. In this case, it will be necessary to ensure that you have some type of drainage system in place to eliminate any water buildup that occurs between the interior wall and the membrane that was erected during the basement tanking.
In most cases a combination of these two, cellar waterproofing methods are used to provide a solution for basement dampness.
When using a combination of these basement tanking methods, you would first use tanking slurry to seal the basement walls, and then you would add the frame and membrane to add further waterproofing protection for your basement. By using both of these cellar tanking methods, you can be sure that the wetness in your basement will no longer be a problem.
Unfortunately, in some cases where water seepage is severe, it may be necessary to make some structural repairs along the foundation of your home, but to eliminate dampness and small seepage problems; basement tanking should take care of the problem.
Basement conversion is the perfect way to enhance your home and increase its value; whether you want to add extra bedrooms, office space, or construct a magnificent game room or home theater, basement waterproofing is the first step you will have to take.
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