Basement sealing

Waterproofing or waterproofing is often necessary in structures built below ground level where groundwater rises and creates a water column. This water column causes hydrostatic pressure on the floors and walls of the underground structure.

Leaks often occur over a long period of time and are not always immediately visible. Over time, the damage becomes apparent and if you do not act quickly, it can lead to structural damage such as cracking in walls, distorted walls, paint or stucco layers coming loose, salt deposits and mould growth.

Different methods of basement waterproofing

There are several methods for waterproofing your basement. Depending on the cause of the moisture problem and the condition of your basement, you can choose the most appropriate technique. Below, we discuss the most common methods:

1. Inner seal: Interior waterproofing is a common method where special waterproof coatings or sealants are applied to the interior walls of the basement. This helps to keep moisture out and improve the living environment in the basement. Interior sealing is particularly effective for mild to moderate moisture problems and condensation.

2. Exterior basement sealing: This method involves treating the outside of the basement walls with a waterproof membrane or waterproof coating. This prevents water from entering the basement and protects the foundation from water damage. Exterior basement waterproofing is a more invasive and costly method, but provides excellent protection against water infiltration.

3. Basement drainage: Sometimes the problem is not only the waterproofing of the walls, but also the accumulation of water around the basement. In this case, a basement drainage system can offer a solution. This system consists of a series of drains and a pump that collects and drains excess water around the basement. Basement drainage is effective in preventing flooding and reducing water pressure on basement walls.

4. Injecting basement cracks: If cracks have appeared in the basement walls, water can seep in through them. Injecting the cracks with a waterproof filler, such as epoxy or polyurethane, helps to seal these openings and prevent further water infiltration. This is a relatively simple and affordable solution for treating basement cracks.

Examples of basement waterproofing

Some examples of methods and techniques to protect underground structures such as basements from moisture ingress are:

• Sealing penetrations in walls;
• Sealing of floor-wall (kim) connection;
• Injecting aquiferous cracks with polyurethane resin;
• Injecting against rising damp;
• Application of flexible bituminous emulsion seal coatings;
• Application of flexible mineral seal coatings.

Besides the visible damage, moisture is often responsible for increasing energy costs due to heat loss. In addition, it is harmful to health. Gacon has years of experience in basement waterproofing and provides a guarantee of up to as much as 10 years.

How do you choose the right method for your basement?

To choose the most appropriate basement waterproofing for your situation, it is important to first identify the cause of the moisture problem. Have an expert come by to assess the situation and carry out a thorough inspection. This expert can advise you on the best approach, depending on the nature and extent of the problem.

When choosing a method, consider the following factors:

• The severity of the moisture problem: Lighter moisture problems can often be addressed with simpler methods such as interior sealing, while more severe problems may require more drastic measures such as exterior basement sealing or basement drainage.
• The condition of your basement: The condition of the basement walls, the foundation and the presence of cracks are important factors in choosing the right method.
• Your budget: Some methods are more costly than others, so it is important to consider your budget when choosing a solution.
• Your basement's desired functionality: If you plan to actively use your basement for storage or as a living space, it is important to invest in an effective basement waterproofing system that ensures a dry and healthy environment.