Steps to Waterproofing a Home

When we think about waterproofing a home, we always look at it in steps.

Most homeowners are familiar with the term waterproofing, but they may not know precisely what that means in the foundation and basement world. Generally speaking, waterproofing means making a structure “resistant to water.” There is more than one way to go about this, as there are different types of waterproofing for different situations.

This blog outlines the various waterproofing options and what homeowners need to know to understand their choices.

An approach of steps

When we think about waterproofing a home, we always look at it in steps. Often, we start small and step our way up to more complex, more expensive solutions. Following are the three most common steps taken to achieve the best waterproofing solution for a home.

Step One

Of most importance, homeowners need to know that proper waterproofing always begins with the exterior of the home. We want to understand what we can do to help keep water away from the home’s foundation from the outside.

Typically, we can achieve this with proper grading and gutter downspout extensions. If some basic exterior approaches such as these can keep water from building up at the home’s foundation in the first place, then no further solution may be required.

Step Two

Sometimes, exterior solutions aren’t enough. In these cases, the next step in a conservative approach to waterproofing would be to look at crack repair using injections. Many companies use polyurethane crack injections to seal cracks. This rubbery material comes in fluid resin form, which, when injected into cracks, will undergo a chemical change from a liquid to a solid. As this occurs, it expands exponentially and fills every crack crevice. In many cases, this will completely solve a water problem. In other cases, we might need to go even further.

Step Three

Typically, the next step up from crack repair is choosing an interior tile drain system and a sump pump and pit to waterproof a home. An interior tile drain system is a piping system that captures water at its most common entry point, usually the basement floor and wall joint. From there, the system will direct water into the sump pit, where a sump pump will flush it out of the home.

This complete system is a comprehensive waterproofing solution and often doesn’t require anything further. However, in cases where water continues to come up from the walls, sometimes it’s also necessary to install a wall shield made of plastic and cover the walls as a protective barrier.

Finding a waterproofing company

Exactly what type of waterproofing a home may require will come down to the specifics of the situation. That’s why it’s so important to choose a waterproofing company that will take a customized approach to solving water problems. Read customer reviews and contact friends, family, and neighbors for information.

Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.