Waterproofing techniques for basement floors.

If basement floor waterproofing wasn't overlooked on such a regular basis, then there wouldn't be as many problems with seepage and flooding when it was finished. A basement can be so much more than just a convenient place for storing junk! Now, people realize the potential of this space for something much more such as extra living space, family rooms and bedrooms.

Many homeowners go years without a water problem and then develop one due to the existing sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogging with mud.

The soil will become too saturated if water from the roof is not directed away from the foundation. As the home stabilizes, wall fissures appeared, exterior paintings decayed and the drains filled with sand or silt. All of these problems can lead to leakage in the basement. Natural pressure from the soil against the foundation will cause flowing ground water to enter through any cracks or crevices in your foundation. The level of pressure is positively correlated with the height of the water level. In turn this water, under increased pressure, seeks entry through cracks and crevices in the walls and floors, and concrete is no match for water pressure. Without proper preparation,  torrential rains could cause flooding in basements or crawlspaces.

Pressure relief systems are a good way to prevent hydrostatic water from entering your home. Primary pumps cannot work if the electricity goes out during a rainstorm. Pressure builds up over time and moisture is pushed through the wall or floor. (usually called bleeding). Seepage is often found where the wall meets the floor around the corners and joints.

If you think that water is comming out of an isolated area, you can lower the water table and the underground hydrostatic pressure by using an easy-to-install sump pump below your floor table. Water vapor will go right through concrete since it is porous. A wet or damp basement due to excessive moisture will cause carpeting to rot, allows mold to grow and makes the basement smell musty.

One solution is to use one of the high-grade sealants that are available on the market for the home-owner. These can often be painted, rollered or sprayed on.

A normal job may entail:

- first the floor of the area being worked on must be prepared to make it smooth and remove any excess material
- Care has to be taken to see that the floor of the basement is absolutely dry,and for this one may need to hire large fans or heaters.
- You must seal all joints between the walls and floor.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- priming the floor if the product requires use of a primer.
Spread two or three coats which is just right top-coating of the final product.

With a good product you will have a waterproofed basement floor that should last for a number of years. There exist sealants in the market like PermaFlex which has lasting and durable basement floor waterproofing. This is arguably the only waterproofing system that is suitable for indoor use that will result in the complete sealing of a basement floor, no matter what sort of state it might be in. And it is considerably cheaper than other type of work as it does not involve pipes or pumps!