What is Waterproofing a Basement All About? 

The basement waterproofing systems and how they work.

Let's take a look at the time and tested waterproofing of basement and how it works.

If you imagine how a basement is first built, when the house it is sited in was first conceived, then basically the following happens. A big hole in the ground is dug, the footer or foundations are laid, the walls of the basement are built and then the rest of the house follows. 

The important point to note is the first one in the list above -- that big hole in the ground. 

The construction of basement walls invariably leaves a void on the exterior which requires backfilling. Loose backfill is used to fill in the gap. The problem here is that water looks for the path of least resistance, and you've just given it just that with a huge pile of loose backfill, no matter utilize water drainage pipes that often become silted. The water is naturally bringing all sorts of silt, sand,and dirt no matter how well it's been compacted. 

Water will constantly ooze into this area.  The system can overload if the pipes get over-filled and then the pressure of the built up water would be concentrated on the outer basement walls. Water will work its way through even the smallest gaps, even though basement walls are waterproofed in some way.

This type of problem doesn't usually go away because the pipes that are supposed to take away the excess water gradually worsen over time.

A lot of the time a huge mistake is made by not providing access to these pipes. To keep water out of a basement waterproofing is also applied to the external walls.

The WaterGuard system is a better system that works by getting rid of water pressure in the walls. Water is controlled, collected and allowed to flow through drainage channels either to natural drainage or to a sump pump where the water is removed away from the property.

Waterproofing a basement is when they are installed internally, have easy access ports for removing silt, and can be installed in basements where other methods have failed.

So to summarize, a good basement waterproofing system will: 

• usually be a permanent or long-term solution
• stop both ways by which water can enter through the walls and up from the floor
• not disturb landscaping, decks, patios, driveways, etc
• usually be an approved waterproofing method for home loans
• often be substantially cheaper than other waterproofing methods 

Choose a reputable basement waterproofer when protecting your home, remember it is economically foolish not to waterproof, because the increased value from waterproofing will definitely exceed the cost of the waterproofing. 

In conclusion, you want a basement waterproofing system that will deliver: 

• a permanent or long term fix
• stop water through the floor and walls
• not disturb the exterior appearance of your home
• an approved method by home loan lenders
• more affordable than other methods