Whether you are building a new home, finishing your basement, or finally remodeling your old space, you need to consider waterproofing. Basements in regions all across the country are susceptible to water damage, so taking the right steps can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.
Keep these tips in mind and your basement will have long-term protection against wetness, water, and moisture.
Tips for Waterproofing Basement
Fill in Cracks and Holes
This step likely only applies to old basements that are still unfinished. Before you can do anything else, you need to make sure all the cracks and holes in the basement exterior walls are filled. You can use a hydraulic cement product to fill them in, then allow for drying time. Once all the major cracks are fixed, you can move on to more advanced steps.
Seal the Exterior Walls
A concrete sealer applied to exterior walls and floors can help lock out ground moisture, providing long-term protection from water. Concrete sealers are easy to apply, especially if the basement is unfinished. This quick waterproofing step can provide decades of clean, dry living.
Reexamine Your Downspouts and Landscaping
One of the most important basement-waterproofing steps happens outside. By readjusting your downspouts and landscaping, you can prevent water from collecting at the foundation of the home, creating dryer soil around the house and (in theory), creating a moisture-free basement.
Any water that drops near the foundation will make the soil wet, so start by examining the gutters for leaks and damage. Make sure the spouts release water at least four feet from the house, and repair any leaky seals between gutters, spouts, and elbow joints.
You should also focus on the grading around your home. This is a more labor-intensive step, and may require the assistance of a professional, but your home should have landscaping that gradually declines away from the house, allowing water to roll downhill. If the grading is level or angles into the home, water is allowed to sit and eventually seep into the basement.
Add Rust-Proof Ceiling Grid
Okay, to be fair, this really isn’t a waterproofing step, but rather a step for preventing damage should moisture enter the home. Many ceiling grid systems are made from light metals, and while these systems are lightweight and strong, they can be susceptible to rust, creating damage over time. Even if your basement doesn’t have seeping or severe water damage, humidity and moisture can cause rust. Therefore, it’s always better to install CeilingConnex’s direct mount ceiling grid , which is made from advanced plastics that are not susceptible to rust or water damage.
Excellent Ceiling for Your Basement Remodeling
Our direct mount ceiling grid not only resists water damage, it also helps maintain a comfortable ceiling height.
Browse our selection of high-quality products and you’ll find all the items you need for a complete basement ceiling. From rust-proof grids to world-class tiles, we have the American-made products you need!