Basements are prone to damage caused by water due to their underground position. Most homeowners probably have noticed at some points that their basement walls tend to be moist, occasionally having water puddles, or even being flooded during heavy rain season.
Waterproofing Basement Walls from Inside
During the construction time or even when the house has settled, there is a possibility that cracks will be formed in the walls of your basement. Then, when the soil is soaked outside, the water is going to seep by the cracks.
Even basement walls that generally are structurally sound; might absorb water on the soil and carry it to your basement’s interior, resulting in wet and humid walls. It will become more noticeable when those walls evaporate. Then the air would turn humid as well. You might put a dehumidifier to solve the problem, but it is not exactly the perfect solution in the long term.
The corrective step to take could be as simple as making a DIY improvement or requiring professional help – it depends on what causes the moisture in the first place. In general, though, the solution will be either waterproofing basement walls from inside or from the outside.
The method of waterproofing basement walls will ensure that the humidity levels is low as well in order to prevent condensation.
Between the two, the interior waterproofing technique is typically more affordable and easier to do. It involves making sure that any existing cracks are patched by using watertight and sealant.
Best Insulation for Basements Walls
Selecting the right insulating materials is the key to stopping moisture from growing, thus preventing mold. Here are several of the best insulation options you can choose:
1. Spray Foam
Basement insulation spray foam, also known as flex seal for basement walls, is often considered the best insulation material. It can fight the damp basement problem. It has the ability to lock out water condensation that typically wants to move from the moist walls in the basement to the finished rooms.
This material has a few benefits, such as adding stability to the structure, being a proper barrier from vapor, and covering utilities like wires and pipes. The downside is that it’s pricier than other materials and has the potential of creating a mess.
2. Foam Board
Foam board is a popular and most often used method among DIY enthusiasts. It’s generally cheaper than the first option, so there’s the benefit. The critical part of using the foam board is selecting the right thickness and doing a proper sealing job to make it an effective barrier.
3. Hybrid Insulation
The next best insulation for basement walls is the hybrid between foam and fiberglass material. It works best for basement areas that don’t show indications of water infiltration. It is the least expensive option of the three.
How to Fix a Leaky Basement Wall from the Inside
Waterproofing basement walls from the inside works by collecting the water out and directing it outside the basement area. Sometimes, contractors use tile drainage in houses that have problems with groundwater.
The water that comes through the walls can be captured by installing tile drainage then it is allowed to flow through the pumps away from the house.
Here’s how the whole process is done:
- Disclose all the cracks in the walls and clean them up.
- Attach several small injection ports according to the crack in the walls. For extremely tight cracks, drill a small hole so that the material can be penetrated.
- Inject the ports inside with hydrophilic polyurethane to fill the cracks by beginning by the bottom part. Use water as the catalyst for this material.
- After you have injected the crack successfully, remove the port. Then apply the material along the cracks as the sealant.
The process of waterproofing the basement above does not take more than one day. It is an affordable solution for homeowners with leaky basement areas. It is effective in the long term and might even give you a permanent solution.
If you ever need to ask a specific question or have any difficulty, it is advisable to contact the local company that provides a basement waterproofing service.
