The Ultimate Simple Waterproofing Basement DIY Guide
Looking for a free simple waterproofing basement DIY guide?
Look no further, here is a simple guide from the experts at Diligent Developments.
The Best Simple Waterproofing Basement Do It Yourself Guide
It’s time to tackle that damp, smelly basement to transform it into livable space below your house. Or, maybe you’ve never had a problem with a wet cellar or lower level and don’t want it to be an issue now.
Before you will be able to expand your living space to the lower level by refinishing your basement or create a nice, dry, climate-controlled area for extra storage, you will need to make sure there is no threat of water entering your home.
Before you can make this happen, you need to make sure the area is water tight to keep water out. You may even first need to clean up existing water damage, mould, or mildew. It seems like a project you can handle yourself, but then you get into it and you discover there is a lot involved to exterior basement waterproofing and waterproofing basement walls from inside, and you realize you may be in too deep.
When you are looking for a free simple waterproofing basement diy guide, look no further. Following is a simple guide from the experts at Diligent Developments to get you started on making sure your basement is protected from the threat of potentially damaging and harmful effects of water.
Start on the Outside
Exterior Basement Waterproofing Do It Yourself
Before you start cleaning water damage and patching cracks with a basement waterproofing sealer, you will need to get to the root of the problem.
In this case, that means tackling existing water issues with all of the damage left behind or preventing water from becoming a damaging factor inside or around the foundation of your home.
In fact, all basement water issues start on the outside of the home.
Start with a Walk Around Your House
The main culprit is the absence of or an improperly installed drainage system alongside the outdoor walls. If your home is an older house, drainage systems may not have ever been implemented, or perhaps they have failed.
To find out where your home stands and what will be involved in the waterproofing process, start by walking around your house. Look down as you walk to see if there is any water that you notice collecting around the walls.
When you discover water or open areas where water could start to collect, fill them with dirt.
Check out the Walkways and Gutters
Next, look at your walkways paying close attention to the service walks. These ground level areas should tilt away from the foundation.
Now, look at your gutters.
Are they clogged with leaves and debris, or are they allowing rain water to flow through, down, and out away from your home?
Are the downspouts in good condition to carry the water away at least 2.4 metres from the foundation?
Don’t Forget the Window Wells
Finally, examine your window wells if you have any.
Are there leaves and rocks built up inside, or are they free of debris?
If you need to, you might want to consider digging the window wells a farther distance from the window and add a layer of stone to help with drainage.
Don’t Make Common Mistakes
Be on Guard to Not Make DIY Errors
When you’re looking for the best basement waterproofing products, don’t make common mistakes that many do-it-yourself home owners end up making. Never try to hold back water that is seeping into your basement by using quick fixes like hydraulic cement or waterproofing paints to plug the leak. They never end up lasting for long, and they often cause more pressure to build up ending in disaster with cracks on the wall or other spots on the foundation.
Often, the corners become water logged and give way to allow water inside or even collapse. Water is not a force to be reckoned with. If you’re going to fix it yourself, you first need to do your research to fully understand what you are dealing with to know what you need to do and what products to use.
Find the Best Waterproofing Products
Maybe that hardware store can of sealant will patch a leak temporarily, but if you’re looking to do a full-fledged basement water tanking project well, intended to last, you will need to use products that have stood up to the test of time and are recommended and approved by experts who use them everyday. Find the most appropriate waterproofing products for your needs. Read basement waterproofing paint reviews and basement waterproofing product reviews , and then seek the advice from an expert to make sure you’re using the right tools and products to properly seal off your basement and prevent future water from entering.
Make It Last
Apply a Fix That Will Last
DIY projects are a great way to save money, but if it’s not done well, these projects can end up costing you far more in the long run. Not only will you need to spend more money on hiring an expert to get the job done right, but you may need to spend even more on fixing a mess or in dealing with future damage.
Water damage can leave behind a horrible and costly disaster. Make sure you have the know-how and the proper products and tools needed to waterproof your basement like a professional.
First, Relive the Pressure and Prepare the Surface
Relieve any hydrostatic pressure and clean up any water seeping through the wall joints and corners.
Before you apply a waterproofing membrane to correct the problem and keep it from ever happening again, start with a clean, dry surface.
This may sound like common sense, but often cleaning and drying out an already soggy area is a lot of work.
Follow the Instructions
Some products come with instructions so easy to follow that all you need to do is know how to follow the steps do do it yourself. Do your homework before starting any work. Fully understand the best basement waterproofing sealer to use and be prepared to spend some added exertion on making sure your exterior basement waterproofing and drainage is done well.
Exterior Waterproofing Is Going to Require Hard Work
Both exterior and interior waterproofing are possible to be done sufficiently as a DIY project, but it is going to take a little bit of initial research and preparation to have the right products and tools on hand when you’re ready to start.
Exterior work may even require the help of friends or family members who aren’t afraid to dig into the dirt and do some heavy work outside. For the inside sealing, or any outside sealant work, make sure you prepare and have on hand ready to wear any necessary protective gear.
When you are ready to get started with the work and are looking for a free simple waterproofing basement diy guide, look no further. We have put together this simple guide from the experts at Diligent Developments to get your started on ending the threat of water in your basement.
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