Basement sealing
Do you suffer from a damp cellar? You are certainly not the only one. About a quarter of all Flemings face moisture problems at some point. Basements are among the most humid rooms in the house, so chances are that your basement will not be spared from these problems either. One of the effective solutions to get rid of a damp basement for good is basement waterproofing. In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about this solution.
Want to get rid of your damp basement? Take contact with AquaConsult and our experts will visit you with no obligation, everywhere in Flanders.
Advantages of basement waterproofing
Free expertise
Do you doubt whether basement waterproofing is the right solution for your situation? Get help in finding the cause of your wet basement. Our technical advisers have many years of experience in determining how best to combat moisture.
They are at your disposal free of charge and with no obligation. Do not hesitate to contact our specialists for a free analysis.
What is basement waterproofing?
Traditional basement waterproofing is also called 'cupping' in the world of moisture control. This involves waterproofing the basement walls by cementing them. The process of basement waterproofing involves several steps, including the application of fixing layers, quick cement and hydraulic waterproofing mortars. The ultimate goal of basement waterproofing is thus to make the basement dry (again) and keep it usable. Indeed, this is crucial to prevent damage to the house and maintain a healthy living environment.
When is basement waterproofing the appropriate moisture solution?
As already cited, basement waterproofing is used for damp cellars or crawl spaces. A basement generally experiences significantly more frequent and faster moisture problems than other rooms in your home. This is mainly due to the basement's underground location, which results in limited access to fresh and dry air. Moisture can enter a basement in various ways. We list the most common causes.
Before proceeding with basement waterproofing, it is important to find the exact cause of the damp basement, as only this will guarantee a lasting solution. This can be done by carrying out a thorough moisture analysis to be conducted. Are you in need of such an analysis? Our experts are ready to assist you free of charge and without any obligation.
The causes of cellar moisture
Cause 1: infiltrating (rain) water
This is water seeping down the walls. When there is excessive rainfall, water finds its way down. When the ground is saturated, water seeks alternative routes, and sometimes that includes the walls of your home, especially the basement wall.
Cause 2: groundwater
Because a basement is located underground, this space is actually in the midst of moisture, namely groundwater. The earth contains significant amounts of moisture, especially in rainy areas. If the foundation is deficient or there are cracks in the walls, groundwater can effortlessly enter the basement. Sometimes, the situation can even be so severe that the basement is completely flooded.
Cause 3: condensation moisture
At condensation the deposition of moisture occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface. To prevent the formation of condensation moisture, adequate ventilation of spaces is crucial. However, this is a challenge in a lot of basements, which often have high humidity levels. This increased humidity can then cause various moisture problems.
Cause 4: water leaks
Almost every basement is surrounded by pipes and drains. This means that even small leaks, if left undetected, can cause significant moisture damage over time.
Basement sealing: this is how it's done
A basement waterproofing has a few steps:
Step 1:Preparation
First of all, moisture experts assess the exact cause, the extent of the moisture problem and the groundwater pressure. For this, the current occupation is removed as best as possible, as this allows the substrate to be clearly visible and the moisture experts to see where the problem is. This analysis allows us to estimate what solution is needed.
The basement is then completely stripped: cementing and any layers of paint are removed, and cables and/or pipes are removed. In addition, any bad joints are refilled. If cracks are present in the basement walls and floor, these are also repaired. In this way, there is a fresh start and an optimal foundation for the application of basement waterproofing.
Step 2:Sealing the basement walls
A type of waterproof plaster is then placed on the basement walls and floor in several layers. Basement waterproofing usually proceeds as follows:
Step 3:The finishing touch
When fully cured, these layers combine to form a strong and moisture-resistant layer. Indoor rainwater or soil moisture can no longer seep through this waterproof layer. If desired, the basement can be finished after it has dried out completely.
Unique at AquaConsult
At AquaConsult, we offer a unique alternative to basement waterproofing. Instead of pouring a new layer of concrete as a finishing method, certified ceramic tiles can be installed. This pairs the practical with the pleasant, as your basement is tiled immediately.
What is the best waterproofing for a basement?
The best method for waterproofing your basement depends on the state of your walls and the pressure of groundwater in your region. In areas with high water levels, such as the polders or lower parts of Flanders, basement waterproofing or cellar sealing is the most durable solution. This involves coating the walls and floor slab with various waterproof fixation layers and hydraulic waterproofing cement mortars, creating an impermeable tub that allows the basement to be used fully again as a storage area or hobby room.
But when the water comes up through the floor or walls with great force, it is basement drainage often the only definitive solution. Here, the water seeping in is collected in a controlled manner via a bubble membrane and discharged to the sewer system via a pumping system. AquaConsult always performs a free expertise out to determine whether your basement would best benefit from casing or drainage.
How can I dehumidify a damp basement?
Dehumidifying a damp basement starts by addressing the cause. So it's not just about fighting the symptoms, but more importantly addressing the moisture problem itself. Installing an electric dehumidifier in a basement with structural infiltration is often like mopping with the tap running. The most effective way to get your basement's humidity down is to combine professional basement waterproofing with a high-quality ventilation system. Once the walls are watertight, active ventilation ensures that stale odours and the condensation moisture disappear for good.
At AquaConsult, we often see that our clients think they are suffering from rising damp in the basement, while the problem is actually condensation moisture is due to the lack of air circulation. By insulating the cold basement walls or installing a mechanical ventilation system, your basement becomes a healthy space again. A professional moisture measurement on-site is crucial to determine whether a dehumidifier is sufficient or whether structural intervention such as basement waterproofing is required.
How much does it cost to waterproof a basement?
Basement waterproofing costs vary depending on the area of your basement and the technique chosen, namely basement waterproofing or basement drainage. For a standard casing, where the walls are cemented watertight, you can expect an average price of between €145 and €165 per m². If the entire basement has to be waterproofed including the floor, the investment per m² increases. For a complex basement drainage, including the cost of installing a submersible pump, prices are usually between €2,000 and €5,500.
Although basement waterproofing requires an investment, a dry basement does increase the market value of your home and prevent further stability problems. Moreover, you are eligible for basement renovation for the My Renovation Premium, which can reduce overall costs. At AquaConsult, we also specifically offer advice On the financing of moisture control. This makes it possible to spread the cost of waterproofing your basement, while enjoying an instant dry basement without a big and immediate bite out of your budget.
What are the disadvantages of waterproofing?
While a watertight basement seems to have only advantages for home value, there are of course some concerns. One of the main concerns with integral basement waterproofing is that the water pressure on the foundation does not disappear, but is only displaced. If the basement is completely sealed, the pressure at the connection between the floor and the wall may start to increase. This drawback can cause new water leaks if done unprofessionally. Therefore, the expertise of a specialist essential to ensure that the structure can absorb hydrostatic pressure.
In addition, a basement that has been sealed, without taking air ventilation into account, is more likely to suffer from a stuffy or humid climate. The lack of natural breathing space for the walls makes a high-quality ventilation system indispensable. Finally, the implementation of basement waterproofing is a drastic moisture solution which requires the necessary time and preparation. Basement waterproofing is not a quick repair, but a structural renovation that restores the walls to their core.
Common questions
Can you seal your basement yourself?
There are plenty of DIY products to do basement waterproofing yourself. However, if you want to be sure of a lasting and effective solution, we recommend turning to a professional. In doing so, an expert can identify the exact cause of the problem and suggest and implement the most appropriate solution.
How much does basement waterproofing cost?
It is very difficult to put an unequivocal price on having a basement waterproofing done. This is because it depends on several things. That is why we offer a free moisture analysis to. Based on this analysis, a concrete, no-obligation offer can be drawn up, fully tailored to your situation.
Frequently asked questions about basement waterproofing
Absolutely. In a watery country like Belgium, where the groundwater level is often high in certain regions such as the Antwerp Kempen or the West Flanders polders, basement waterproofing is one of the most profitable investments in your home. A damp cellar in fact, not only affects your stored items, but it also threatens the long-term structural integrity of your foundation. By waterproofing your basement, you transform an unusable, musty basement into a healthy extra room, increasing the market value of your home. Moreover, by taking timely action, you prevent moisture from rising through the walls into the living spaces above. Because if this happens then the moisture problem harmful to your health.
Although various coatings and agents are available in DIY shops, waterproofing a basement yourself is often a risky undertaking. Basement waterproofing is a precision job where the slightest mistake in preparation or application can lead to new water leaks. Moreover, without professional equipment, it is impossible to pinpoint the exact moisture source or location of infiltration, so you often only address the symptoms while structural damage continues behind the walls. In addition, if you do DIY work, you lose the right to the My Renovation Premium and you do not enjoy the long-term guarantee offered by an expert such as AquaConsult. Moreover, if handled incorrectly, hydrostatic pressure can lead to cracks in the rest of the house. It is therefore always wise to start with the free expertise From AquaConsult, which has the right technical moisture solution can guarantee for the specific soil composition in your region.
It is a common misconception that concrete is by definition also waterproof. Although concrete is a very strong material, it is naturally porous. Over time, minuscule capillaries and cracks can form due to settlement or the constant pressure of groundwater. Especially in older basements where the concrete quality is often less than in modern new-build houses, we often see water seeping right through the floor slab or walls of the basement. In addition, the bilge joints, the connections between the floor and the walls, are weak spots where groundwater is forced through them under high pressure. When the concrete becomes saturated with moisture, this can lead to concrete rot, where the iron reinforcement starts to rust and expand. This compromises the stability of your house. AquaConsult uses special techniques for this purpose such as concrete injections with expanding resins to permanently seal water leaks in the concrete.
Waterproofing a basement from the inside is the most common and practical solution in existing houses, as excavating an exterior wall is often impossible or extremely expensive. The most effective method is basement waterproofing, in which the interior walls are completely stripped bare and treated with a multi-layer fixing system of waterproof cement mortars. This creates a new, waterproof shell on the inside of the basement that can withstand the pressure of external water or groundwater.
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