Basement Waterproofing NJ: 5 Easy Ways to Waterproof Your Basement
If you own an older home, style=”text-decoration:none;color:#676c6c”>healing odds are you might have a damp or leaky basement – making it impossible to utilize that extra space for a bedroom or recreational area. Unfortunately, if you want to turn your basement into an extra room, you’ll need to make sure you’re safe from water moisture for good before you begin remodeling.
Although it’s best left to a professional NJ basement waterproofing company, you can take on the challenge of waterproofing your own basement if you feel up to the task.
- Secure Your Home’s Perimeter
It’s absolutely critical that the ground next to your foundation slopes away from your house and not towards it. If it doesn’t, even a small storm can cause a flood without proper insulation. Backfilled dirt can also settle and cause the surrounding areas to sink and begin slanting towards your home. To combat this, you can pile dirt against your foundation. A good rule of thumb is to create a 2-inch drop for every 12 inches away the dirt is from your foundation.
- Assess Gutters and Shrubbery
The ground directly next to your foundation can be one of the biggest contributing factors to a leaky basement. Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris, and are releasing water at least five feet away from your groundwork. Shrubs and other foliage can also be problematic for basement waterproofing in New Jersey, if they’re too close to your foundation. Rotted roots can give ground water the perfect path to your foundation, which can lead to basement moisture. To avoid this, keep at least 12 inches between your foundation walls and any foliage.
- Protect Your Home from Minor Leaks with a Waterproofer
If your basement’s exposure to moisture is minimal, it’s best to waterproof the walls with a waterproofing product such as Drylok or Xypex. However, these are not long-term solutions if you’re facing more significant problems than the occasional small leak. If your foundation is under heavy pressure from serious water issues, a temporary waterproofer won’t hold for long. In this case, it’s best to have a professional NJ basement waterproofing company assess your situation and determine the proper course of action.
- Fill Cracks and Foundation Defects
If you notice cracks in your basement walls, fill them as soon as possible. Any crack in concrete means it goes all the way to the other side of the wall, leaving you vulnerable to water damage. You should also fill any other permeable areas, such as spots where pipes and tie rods pass through the concrete. Masonry sealant or construction-grade epoxy works best for this.
- Call a Professional for Serious Water Problems
For serious leaks and flooding problems, NJ foundation waterproofing is best left to a professional New Jersey basement waterproofing company. Generally, they can either install a French Drain or inject your foundation with hydroclay – a super-durable, permanent sealant that’s also used for waterproofing manholes, tunnels, backyard ponds and more. Best of all, having a professional waterproof your basement not only protects your home from serious damage, but it also increases your home’s value.