Waterproofing
How long does waterproofing take?
The answer is—it depends. We can’t say how long it will take to waterproof your own home, but we can give you a general idea of how much time and effort is involved in the whole process.
For starters, you’ll need to have a clear understanding of what exactly waterproofing is (and isn’t). Waterproofing doesn’t mean that water won’t get in at all, just that it won’t seep into the foundation and cause damage to the interior. Waterproofing takes some work up front, but once the work is done, your property’s structure should be protected from water from above for years to come!
How will you know if your basement needs waterproofing?
At Patriots Paving and Masonry inc, we believe that basement waterproofing is even more important than foundation repair, and addressing it early on can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Here’s how to tell whether your basement is dry and sound, or whether you should consider waterproofing:
-If you want to know whether your home has a leaky basement because you’re concerned about moisture buildup, there are a few effective ways to find out. The first and most obvious one is to check your interior walls for stains or mold growth; if you notice either of these problems, it’s likely that water is seeping through and getting into the surrounding structure. Another way to assess the situation is to look at the exterior walls of your basement—if moisture seeps through them as well, it’s a surefire sign that your foundation has problems. Finally, if you suspect any kind of water damage on the floor of your basement or any other part of your home, call in a professional like us for a thorough inspection; honest feedback from an expert will give you a good idea of where your home stands.
How do you waterproof a basement or foundation walls?
While you may have a strong desire to keep water out of your basement, the fact is that it takes a lot of time, money, and effort to waterproof basement walls. That doesn’t mean you should give up on the idea entirely, though. With the right tools and supplies, you can waterproof your foundation walls with a few simple steps.
The first thing you’ll need to do is identify where the leaks are coming from in your basement. You might have noticed some damp spots on the floor or cracks in your foundation walls that indicate a leak, or you might want to get an expert opinion about what’s going on underneath. A home inspector or contractor can help you determine how much work needs to be done to waterproof your basement walls and will be able to give you a better estimate of what it will take.
Once you’ve figured out which areas need attention, it’s time to start looking at materials that can help. One option is cement-based grout, which goes in between floor joists and helps seal against water damage. Another option is sheet metal panels with holes punched into them that go over existing joists and screws; these can help strengthen your basement flooring and prevent water from seeping through.