Basement Waterproofing: Does It Actually Work?

Basement waterproofing is an important step in preserving your home and preventing dangerous and expensive foundation issues. Water seeping into the basement can cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and foundation damage. That’s why it’s so important to stop basement moisture in its tracks. However, many homeowners wonder if popular basement waterproofing methods actually work.

The short answer is: yes! Not only do many basement waterproofing methods effectively prevent and remove moisture from a basement, they are an essential home maintenance task for any homeowner. At Zablocki Waterproofing, we ‘re the Milwaukee basement waterproofing experts. In this article, we will discuss the causes of basement moisture and what homeowners should look out for. We will also discuss different methods of basement waterproofing and whether or not they actually work. Finally, we will give you easy steps for ensuring your basement stays sound and dry.

Basement waterproofing can be split into two categories: professional basement waterproofing methods and DIY solutions. Let’s start with professional basement waterproofing methods. 

Professional basement waterproofing methods can be applied to the exterior of the foundation, the interior, or both.

Exterior basement waterproofing prevents water from ever entering the basement in the first place. One popular exterior basement waterproofing method is installing exterior drain tile. Exterior drain tile is a perforated pipe installed in the ground that collects water around the foundation and directs it away from the house. Another popular exterior basement waterproofing method is installing a waterproof membrane around the perimeter of the foundation. This membrane creates a barrier between the basement and the soil, preventing water from seeping in through cracks in the foundation.

Interior basement waterproofing solutions are applied to the inside of the basement and are designed to collect and reroute water that has already entered the basement. One popular interior basement waterproofing solution is interior drain tile. Similar to exterior drain tile, interior drain tile is a perforated pipe that surrounds the perimeter of the basement, collecting water and directing it to a sump crock/sump pump, which then pumps water away from the home. Another popular interior basement waterproofing solution is filling wall cracks. Cracks in basement walls can allow water to seep into the basement, so it’s important to repair any cracks as soon as you notice them.

A hybrid method of basement waterproofing is using steel beams to repair and reinforce buckled basement walls. Over time, neglect and soil pressure can cause basement walls to buckle and crumble. This is highly dangerous and requires a robust fix. At Zablocki Waterproofing, we are experts at foundation excavation and steel beam reinforcement, helping strengthen broken basement walls and protecting Milwaukee-area homes.

Now that we’ve discussed professional basement waterproofing methods, let’s move on to DIY basement waterproofing solutions. 

One popular DIY basement waterproofing solution is using a waterproof paint. Waterproof paints create a barrier between the basement walls and the moisture, which hopefully prevents water from seeping in. Unfortunately, waterproof paint is not always effective and is best used in conjunction with other, more robust basement waterproofing solutions.

Another popular DIY basement waterproofing solution is installing a dehumidifier and ensuring proper ventilation. All basements will inevitably experience some moisture. Dehumidifiers help remove this excess moisture from the air and prevent mold growth. Using a fan or opening basement windows periodically to improve ventilation helps reduce humidity levels in the basement by keeping the air moving.

Finally, gutter maintenance is important for keeping water away from the foundation. Clogged or broken gutters can cause rainwater to pool around the foundation, so it’s important to clean them out regularly and repair any damage as soon as you notice it. A working gutter system is a great defense against basement moisture.

Basement waterproofing is an important part of owning a home, and many basement waterproofing tactics are highly effective. By taking steps to waterproof your basement, either through DIY methods or with the help of a professional, you can help prevent basement moisture, which can lead to foundation damage, mold growth, and other serious problems. If you’re experiencing basement moisture issues, contact the experts at Zablocki Waterproofing. We have decades of experience helping Milwaukee-area homeowners with all their basement waterproofing needs. Give us a call today for a free consultation!