Five Main Elements of an Effective Basement Waterproofing System
Did your basement leak on Monday when those heavy rains rolled through Central Ohio? Maybe it doesn't happen often, but even once can be enough to ruin your belongings and your space. Water and moisture in the absement can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and even invite critters into your home.
It's important to have an effective basement waterproofing system to prevent damage to your home. But what goes into a basement waterproofing system?
Well, no two basement water problems are exactly the same, and therefore no two solutions are the same. There are many different ways to keep water out, but we've compiled the five main elements of an effective basement waterproofing system for you below.
Drainage System
When choosing a drainage system, the important things to look for these features:
- Patented or proven interior drainage
- Non-clogging design
- Integrated with a sump pump
- Transferable warranty
At Mid-State Basmeent Systems, our favorite drainage system is WaterGuard. This patented intior drainage system works by collecting water and directing it to the sump pump.
Sump Pump
A good sump pump needs to be reliable. You need to have peace of mind that in heavy rains, your sump pump won't fail you. An effective sump pump should have the following features:
- Cast-iron body
- Can pump 1/2" diameter solids
- Mechanical float switch (more reliable)
- Alarm system and battery backup option
- Non-clogging discharge lines
- Airtight lid to prevent evaporation
At Mid-State Basement Systems, we have a few sump pump options to choose from, but our favorite is the TripleSafe Sump Pump System. The TripleSafe is three pumps in one, ensuring that it never fails. The UltraSump backup battery keeps your basement dry even if the power goes out.
Dehumidifier
Not all dehumidifiers are created equal. When it comes to controlling the humidity level in the basement, you need a unit that's designed specifically for high-moisture areas. Some features to look for when choosing a basement dehumidifier include:
- Energy Star rating, indicating lower energy costs
- Self-draining
- Automatic shut-off
- High capacity
- Air filtering to protect against allergens and mold spores
The SaniDry Sedona offers all this and more.
Basement Windows
No basement windows are completely waterproof. But there are ways to prevent water from leaking into the basement through the windows while letting more light in.
- Watertight windows
- Light-maximizing window wells
- Window well covers to keep out rainwater and debris
Gutters & Downspouts
A dry basement starts outside the home. Proper drainage around the foundation is necessary. There are a few simple solutions to make sure rainwater doesn't end up inside the basement:
- Clean, working gutters
- Downspout extensions that can channel rainwater at least 3 feet away from the foundation
Interior vs. Exterior Drainage Systems
Basements get wet. Groundwater seeps in through porous concrete walls and floors. Rain leaks through rusty windows. Water vapor condenses on pipes and appliances. Plumbing leaks happen. Dark or white stains on walls are sometimes the only signs of moisture issues.
The goal of modern basement waterproofing is to keep the basement dry by addressing sources of water intrusion. There are two major approaches to water management: interior drainage and exterior drainage. Below are the major pros and cons of each basement waterproofing method.
Interior Drainage
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Exterior Drainage
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The bottom line: An effective basement waterproofing solution is one that is customized to the specific issues of the home. If you think you might be in need of a basement wateeproofing system, please give us a call today for a FREE inspection!