Copyright ã 2006 Everdry Pittsburgh
Waterproofing Systems and the Benefits
Increased property value
Structurally sound foundation
A healthier home environment for your family
A warmer basement during winter
Enjoy an increased living space
A more attractive and more comfortable home
Existing basements can be waterproofed in one of three ways.
- Total Excavation
- Interior Systems
- Interior and Exterior Systems
Excavation:
In this method, the contractor digs around the outside of your foundation all the way down to the footing using a backhoe. After the wall is completely exposed, he will check the original footer tiles or replace them and seal the wall with tar and plastic or some other waterproofing material. Then, gravel is put over the pipe, and the dirt is put back into the hole.
Uses:
- sealing wall
- repairing or replacing outside footer tiles
Disadvantages:
- labor intensive
- messy - usually destroying landscaping and grass near site
- most expensive waterproofing method
Inside Drains:
Inside drains may be used to waterproof from the inside of the basement. Typically, the floor is opened around the perimeter of the basement, a trench dug, and then pipe and gravel installed around the footer. The contractor also installs 'weepholes', small, one-half to three-quarter inch holes in each block cavity, to release the water that may be trapped. Then, holes are covered with a plastic molding or styrene panel before the floor is re-concreted.
Advantages:
- effective at removing hydrostatic pressure at the base of the foundation
- least expensive waterproofing
- does not disturb landscaping around outside of home
Interior and Exterior Systems:
The only solution for a totally, permanent dry basement. Waterproofing can be done combining the use of excavation and inside drains. It is the only way to handle both hyrdrostatic pressure problems and walls leaking from cracks, holes in the wall, or deteriorated parging.
Advantages:
- Handles both pressure and wall-leakage problems
Disadvantages:
- Could add up to an additional 1,000 square feet of liveable space that will need weekly cleaning.
