Over time, basement sealing can degrade and lead to moisture damage. You may need professional help with foundation or crawl space repairs if you live in Tennessee. By learning the best method for basement waterproofing, you can protect your home and prevent long-term issues.

The Best Basement Waterproofing Methods

Learning how to waterproof a basement takes time. The easiest way is to hire a contractor to waterproof basement areas and crawl spaces. If you decide to begin your exterior and interior waterproofing on your own, you will generally use one of three basement waterproofing methods.

Interior Drainage

For most properties, the best basement waterproofing starts with interior waterproofing. Exterior methods require excavation, which can be expensive and messy. By adding interior basement waterproofing and a drainage system, you can prevent water and moisture from damaging your home.

This method involves setting up basement waterproofing systems. Also known as a French drain, these systems include digging a trench around the perimeter of your basement. Afterward, a sump pump and drain are installed.

When water leaks from your walls and foundation, the trench can drain it away. Then, the water is diverted to the drain and sump pump. From there, it’s easily pumped out of your basement.

• To install a French drain, start by digging a trench. It should slope toward the lowest point, where you want your water to go.
• Now, you need to fill the trench with gravel. Before the trench is complete, you should lay your pipes.
• Top off the trench and piping with more gravel.
• If you do everything correctly, water will seep into the gravel and drain out of your home.

Other than a French drain, there are different techniques for interior basement waterproofing. For example, a footing drain involves installing a pipe around your foundation walls. Afterward, you have to cover the pipe with gravel and soil. This kind of drain is ideal for basements that have a natural slope.

Epoxy Injections and Sealants

When it comes to sealing basement walls and floors, you can use a variety of sealants and epoxy injections. Basement sealing can temporarily help, but it won’t work forever. These fixes are like a temporary bandage. They will only patch the problem until you can afford a more effective repair. 

This is one of the more common basement waterproofing methods because of the low price. To learn how to waterproof a basement with this method, you have to buy a sealant and epoxy. Then, you can apply the epoxy to the cracks. Afterward, you can seal your walls.

Sealants should never be used on top of painted walls. If you have concrete walls, you cannot use sealants on top of the concrete’s white mineral deposits. Additionally, you should be cautious when you use epoxy injections. This injection can crack as the foundation expands and contracts throughout the year.

• To begin your interior waterproofing project, you should start by removing any paneling or paint.
• Now, use water and a dish detergent to clean your basement gently.
• Look for any foundation cracks or holes. You can use epoxy to repair them.
• After the epoxy has dried completely, you can add a waterproof sealant over your walls. If you want to, you can apply epoxy on your floors.

If you have a limited budget, this basement waterproofing method can help. Unfortunately, it is only a temporary fix. Even if you did every step perfectly, the sealant would break down after a few years. Once this happens, you will need to repeat the basement sealing process or use a different method to waterproof basement areas and crawl spaces.

Exterior Waterproofing

Other than interior basement waterproofing, you may also need exterior basement waterproofing. This technique can vary based on your foundation, location, and overall goals. One method starts by sealing basement walls with a membrane or polymer. Then, the waterproof sealant will keep water from seeping through your walls.

Another method for waterproofing a basement is to dig a trench drain underground. These basement waterproofing systems are incredibly effective because they divert water away from your property. Because the excavation process can be expensive and slow, some homeowners dislike it. Excavation can also be pretty disruptive. Even when this method is done correctly, exterior drains are likely to clog. If you do not remove clogs regularly, you may still have a flooded basement.

• To get started, you should clean your downspouts and gutters. This will prevent future clogs, and it should be done twice a year.
• If you have plants around your foundation, you should remove them to space between the plants and your house.
• The soil should slope away from your foundation to help with drainage. Trees should never be placed close to your house because the roots can grow into your foundation and cause problems.

Once these steps are completed, you should call an expert for help. The excavation process is complicated and dangerous, so it’s essential to let a professional handle the work. You can also talk to the technician about other options for waterproofing a basement.

Ground Up Basement Waterproofing Services

If you need help waterproofing a basement, we have you covered. Our team has years of experience working with homeowners in Tennessee. Whether you want help sealing basement walls or installing basement waterproofing systems, we can help. Contact us today if you need to waterproof basement areas and crawl spaces in your home.