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| The best time for basement waterproofing is when the house is being constructed. However, it is also necessary for older homes where tar-based solvents have been used for sealing the basement. These materials cause cracks in the basement which lead to seepage of water. |
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| Nowadays polymerized asphalt is used for basement waterproofing. A layer of this material is spread on the cracks in the basement to maintain the effectiveness of waterproofing. Several alternatives for this material are available. These alternatives are used in homes where polymerized asphalt has not been used. |
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| Basement Waterproofing Systems |
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| Leakages in basements usually occur due to an accumulation of water around the foundation of homes. The accumulation of water leads to hydrostatic pressure which in turn causes water to leak through the cracks. Following are some basement waterproofing systems commonly used in homes. |
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| French Drain system |
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| French Drain systems include a plastic pipe which is attached with a sump pump. Cement is used to cover the pipe leaving out holes for collecting the water leaking through the walls. The entire system is buried around the basement walls and under the floor. |
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| Hollow Baseboard Molding |
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| This basement waterproofing system consists of a PVC baseboard which is glued to the joints where the wall intersects the floor. This creates a hollow channel where water is collected in the weep holes and is sent to the sump pumps. This basement waterproofing system is cheaper than the French drain system. |
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| Sump Pumps |
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| Sump pumps use several pipes to collect the water accumulated at the foundation. These pipes are attached to a sump pump well. This basement waterproofing system covers a limited area and thus two or more sump pumps are usually needed for large basements. |
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| Sealants |
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| In this basement waterproofing system, sealants are applied basement’s walls and floors. These sealants control dampness and mildew problems. Sealants are also used in the basement waterproofing systems mentioned above. |
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| Ventilation System |
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Water problem caused by poor ventilation can be solved by installing a proper ventilation system in the basement.
Basement is a very important part of any home. Therefore, basement waterproofing is essential especially during basement remodeling projects to maintain dryness and comfort of a home. |
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