Older homes have a lot of character and charm, however, they do come with their own set of unique problems. This is especially true for older homes with basements since the technology for keeping a basement dry didn’t exist back then. Needless to say, older basements are often damp and musty smelling. If thinking about purchasing an older home today, consider using a commercial waterproofing contractor in Washington DC to remove problematic moisture from the basement.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing a basement involves putting up a barrier to keep moisture from seeping through the walls. In order to properly waterproof a basement, it may require applying a sealant on the walls, along with installing a sump pump and other drains to remove any water that manages to make its way inside.
Filling in the Cracks
When basement walls have cracks in them, water can seep through the cracks and add to a moisture problem that may already exist in the basement area. It’s important to have a commercial waterproofing contractor in Washington DC close up the cracks with epoxy injections. An epoxy injection works by welding the cracked area back together. This seals off the opening and restores the structural integrity of the basement wall at the same time.
Basement Wall Sealer
Once any cracks have been filled in, a basement wall sealant should be applied to help with the waterproofing process. It’s highly recommended to use two coats of the sealant material for the best results. A basement wall sealer provides a barrier that water cannot penetrate through and adds strength to the existing cement walls.
Sump Pump
Basements that are subject to flooding issues may require the installation of a sump pump to remove any water that regularly puddles on the floor. A sump pump needs to be hardwired into a home’s electrical system and often has a battery backup. A sump pump should be installed in a sump basin in the lowest part of the basement floor for best results. As water fills the basin, the pump will turn on, pull the water out of the basin, and send it to an area outside of the house.
Older homes have a lot of history and architectural elements that draw people to them. Wet basement issues can detract from that. Contact us for information regarding waterproofing a basement.
