Waterproofing a basement inside is a very popular option because it is done without major external excavations and, in some cases, can be done very quickly and cheaply. Yes, it is possible to carry out internal waterproofing of the basement. First, you need to figure out where the moisture comes from. Identify if it is the outdoor source that allows water to accumulate after rain or if it is moisture due to condensation on basement walls and windows.
Internal waterproofing can add drainage to the interior of your home, diverting the water intake to a suitable discharge point. The main benefit of installing an internal waterproofing system is that it has the ability to intercept water that passes through the wall and below the base. Many of the waterproofing products listed below will only work if applied directly to the substrate, so if there is any existing coating on the surface, wall, or floor, it must be removed. However, a vapor barrier is just that: a moisture barrier, which is normally installed on a mezzanine floor, and therefore an ineffective method for waterproofing basement walls from the inside.
Interior basement waterproofing is a good option to consider if you want the area to be dry and clean. Exterior waterproofing involves digging all over the house to the full depth of the foundation walls and then installing an impermeable layer or membrane covered by drainage panels. A high-quality dehumidifier will help remove excess moisture from the basement, but the best long-term solution is to waterproof the walls. If you're trying to figure out how to cure a damp or moldy basement, you're probably curious about ads for products that claim to waterproof basement walls.
This is also one of the waterproofing solutions that will help control the hydrostatic pressure that builds up and causes a damp basement. When the basement is free of water, proceed to effectively inspect, fix and waterproof the basement walls. However, here we will focus on interior waterproofing that you, as a homeowner, can do yourself to achieve a dry basement. The only way to know for sure how much it will cost to waterproof your basement is to contact a foundation repair contractor for an inspection and repair quote.
DIY projects that attempt to waterproof basement walls from the inside with only a vapor barrier try to prevent moisture from entering with this method, which is usually reserved for tight spaces. This is strictly a job for a foundation contractor, but it could greatly reduce basement water problems. Depending on the reason for the moisture problem, the solution could be a simple remedy you can do yourself or it may require the help of a foundation contractor. For example, remove foundation plants, such as shrubs and flower beds that require watering, which then allows water to seep into the basement.
From there, the water flows by gravity or with the aid of a sump pump from the foundation to another part of the property or to a storm drain.
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