Basement Finishing - Waterproofing Your Basement

Posted: Jul 28, 2013
Author: B&E Construction

Any basement finishing project in Charlotte is sure to include some sort of waterproofing. This can be a grueling, complicated process for the average homeowner, and as it usually comes as part of a larger basement finishing project (why else would you bother?), it's usually a good idea to leave it to professionals.

Basement waterproofing is, as the name indicates, the process of sealing a basement off to water. When the water table around a basement is too high (it may rise due to groundwater collecting around the structure), the hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding earth will cause water to spring leaks in the basement. Though some homeowners may be content to have this largely disregarded, anyone looking at a basement finishing project with the end goal being a fully-functioning room does not have this luxury.

The waterproofing process will not only include sealing the basement itself, but creating an effective drainage system. The approach taken from here varies by both circumstance and preference of the homeowner and contractor. Three main methods exist: sealing of the interior wall and floor, interior draining of water, and exterior draining and sealing.

As stated before, basement waterproofing is a complicated and labor-intensive job that can even require a degree of excavation. As it is usually done in the course of a larger basement finishing project, it is best left to professionals. Talk to your contractor for options and an estimate.