All there is to know about Basement Tanking.
Learn the basics of basement tanking and the best time to do so.
Find out the differences on tanking your exterior versus interior basement.
Understand the importance and advantages of tanking your basement.
5 advantages of basement tanking you should know right now
Are you planning on doing basement tanking? Maybe you’ve never heard this term before and have no idea. Simply put, it is a way to waterproof your basement or cellar. If you have never thought about this before, you should. If the reason you are looking into it is because you have water seeping into your lower level destroying furniture and stored items, you will need to act fast.
One of the most important considerations for any basement or cellar project is to waterproof the area. You will need to know when the best time to do the taking waterproofing is, what types of basement tanking or methods you have to choose from, and what a tanking membrane is. Overall, before you get started look into the advantages of basement tanking. Here are some helpful tips and information on basement tanking detail and methods you should know about before hand.
Learn the basics before your begin
What is basement tanking?
First, before you begin to think about your options on how to get it done, you may be wondering what basement tanking even is. Basically, it is a way to waterproof your basement or cellar space to keep water and moisture out which is a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Basement tanking also creates a way to drain away any future water your house becomes exposed to. To make sure your basement tanking lasts and works well, you will also need to make sure you have adequate drainage in place. Even if you seal away water from the inside, if you don’t have a proper drainage system in place, the water pressure will build up around your walls creating more of a hazard and even a dangerous structural potential issue. When the wood structure is wet, it creates a breeding ground for more trouble as it invites termites which will destroy even more of your home.
The end result of a well-done waterproofing system is going to be a basement you can enjoy. When you have a nice, dry space below your home, you will be able to use the room for anything you want. You may even be able to design a bedroom, kids play room, office, or even a cinema room downstairs without the worry of it becoming destroyed by water damage.
Timing is essential
The best time for water tanking is during the build
The best time to waterproof your basement is when the home or its foundation is being built. During the construction of a new house, the builder will be able to move around more freely and access nooks and crevises that will be more difficult to get to once the main structure of the upper home is set in place.
This being said, while it’s easier to do the basement tanking while the home is originally being built, it’s not impossible to get it done on an pre-built home or even on a very old structure. It just makes it a bit more tricky with more obstacles to work around. The more difficult the space is to get to, the more costly and time consuming the waterproofing job will become.
Types of waterproofing for the basement
There are two main methods of basement tanking, exterior and interior. Exterior waterproofing is the only method recognized by the International Building Code as being efficient enough to keep water out. A common way to waterproof the exterior is through tanking which uses a bonding agent or a membrane that is applied to the outside of the walls. Another option is to install a drainage system.
During the initial construction, this is easier to do by pouring the floor to slope toward a drain or sump pump. On the inside, a plastic membrane is applied to the floors and the walls. Interior waterproofing also uses a sealant. That’s for keeping water and moisture from seeping through the walls or floor and prevent mould and mildew from forming or reforming. Both exterior and interior water tanking is recommended for optimal results.
Exterior basement tanking
Exterior basement tanking is most efficiently installed when the structure is under construction. The idea is to prevent water entering the basement through the tiny openings where the walls meet at the joint or from seeping through the wall itself. Since bricks or stones are naturally porous and have a tendency to absorb water, there is usually a cavity between the inner and outer facings to help prevent water seeping into the interior.
Additionally, rooms that are built underground also absorb moisture from the earth that surrounds it. There are various ways to waterproof on the outside. Most methods use a membrane that is wrapped around the concrete and installed before the cement is poured to create a tank. The outside edges are protected from water by then installing a drainage system of pipes and gravel that help to carry away the water.
Interior Basement Tanking
Interior tanking systems are done on the inside of the basement or cellar walls and floor. There are various ways to do this. One way is to spray a coating onto the inside walls and flooring. Others apply the sealant with a roller or a brush. Regardless of which method you use to apply the coat of sealant to keep water away, you will also need to drain the water away toward a sump pump or some other type of drain.
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Additional advantages to basement tanking
Advantages to waterproofing
Some of the main advantages to water tanking your basement include gaining a dry, mould and mildew free space inside your home. Other benefits are that you can rest easy knowing that your possessions won’t get damaged, you will gain livable space, and avoid structural damage if you waterproof your basement or cellar.
The structural damage that can occur from water built up can be costly and dangerous. Wet wood is more likely to create serious structural issues than dry wood. For instance, termites require moisture to thrive and cause a great deal of damage in already water damaged wood. Wet wood is also more likely to rot. Ultimately, the new dry inside space will allow you a better quality of life and increase your overall home’s value.
Start with a clean, dry surface
One of the most important considerations is the condition of the existing structure of the basement. For the waterproofing to be effective, you must start with a good foundation. If the foundation is a mess, the new waterproofing is not going to have a smooth surface to seal onto, the end result will be more damage to repair.
It’s time to get started
Are you planning on doing basement tanking? If not, it is worth looking into to ensure your home is kept free of water or a breeding ground for mould.
Follow these amazing tips on basement tanking detail and methods and get to know everything you can, including the advantages and cost, before you start your basement tanking project. The end result will be a nice, dry area inside your home that you can now use for livable space that you would not be able to enjoy without the confidence of water tanking.
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