How can I re-waterproof my basement?

Basements are often damp due to soil moisture and limited ventilation, which can lead to damage to building elements. A waterproof basement prevents problems, improves living space and increases home value. Find out how to effectively protect your basement from moisture and upgrade your home in this article.

Why basements quickly suffer from moisture

The basement is often the most humid place in the whole house. This space is usually located completely underground, which means that this room is surrounded by soil moisture. In addition, it is not obvious to properly ventilate, which can lead to excessive humidity and condensation problems. As a result, all kinds of moisture problems occur, which fall broadly into two categories: infiltration, in which moisture penetrating through walls and foundations, and moisture problems without infiltration, such as leaking pipes or condensation.

If a problem persists for a long time, it can cause permanent damage to the structural elements of your home, such as cracks in the walls due to freezing moisture or structural damage due to prolonged water infiltration. Because several factors can contribute to a damp basement at the same time, correct diagnosis is crucial. Professional advice from a moisture expert helps to find the most appropriate solution and prevent further damage. Obviously, this is something you want to avoid.

It is therefore vital that you waterproof your basement. By doing so, you will not only create an additional more pleasant living space in your home, but also significantly increase the value of your property.

What are the symptoms of a damp basement?

First of all, it is important to establish whether you suffer from a damp basement. Several indications can point to basement moisture problems:

There are damp spots on the walls or puddles on the basement floor. Salt circles or mould spots may also appear.

The stuff in your basement is damaged.

There is a musty smell.

A damp cellar is not only unpleasant, it is also anything but healthy. But there is a solution: get your basement waterproofed!

The causes of a damp cellar

It is very important to have a specialist look at your basement. This is because there are two different diagnoses, each requiring a specific solution to waterproof your basement. Without expertise, it is difficult to determine which diagnosis is applicable.

1. A damp basement due to infiltration

If the cause of your wet basement is infiltrating moisture, then you will probably get one of the following three common diagnoses:

Penetrating moisture occurs when external walls are no longer able to keep moisture out, especially during rainy periods. This problem can become severe, even penetrating the interior walls, and can lead to freezing and cracking in winter.

Another cause is groundwater, which can enter the basement due to poor foundations or cracks in the walls.

Finally, bagged or seeping water can sink down through the walls. This happens especially after heavy precipitation.

Only a specialist can say with certainty whether it is infiltrating moisture. Usually, the solution here is to waterproof your basement. But how does such basement waterproofing work? There are two options for that.

2. A damp basement due to reasons other than infiltration

Is there no infiltrating moisture from outside, but you still have a moisture problem? Then condensation moisture due to the lack of ventilation is probably the big culprit. With a ventilation system and special basement paint, this is quickly solved. A leak in the pipes can also cause you to struggle with a wet basement.

Waterproofing your basement: the methods

Depending on the cause and the situation, there are different methods to waterproof your basement.

Want to get rid of your damp basement for good? Then consult a specialist in moisture control. This professional will be able to identify the exact cause of the problem and can recommend and implement the most appropriate solution.

1. Waterproofing the cellar with the classic formwork

In the moisture control world, the classic method of waterproofing basement walls is known as 'basement'. In this approach, basement walls are waterproofed by cementing them. The basement waterproofing process involves several steps, including the application of fixing layers, quick cement and hydraulic waterproofing mortars. We summarise:

First, moisture experts accurately assess the specific cause, extent of the moisture problem and groundwater pressure. To do this, the existing cladding is thoroughly removed to make the substrate clearly visible. This analysis allows us to estimate what solution is required.

A waterproof plaster is then applied in several layers to both the basement walls and the floor.

Once fully cured, these layers combine to form a strong and moisture-resistant barrier.

This waterproof layer prevents rainwater or soil moisture from seeping in.

2. Waterproofing the basement with basement drainage

In the case of a conventional basement drainage procedure according to the traditional method, a pump housing is embedded in the floor to collect water, followed by the application of bubble wrap. This proceeds as follows:

The bubble liner contains a specific structure of small channels. These channels serve as a means of collecting groundwater and directing it to a central drainage pit. This drain pit is strategically placed at the lowest point of the basement.

A water pump then pumps the water from the collector through a drain, often fitted with sensors for automatic operation.

Finally, the moisture expert applies a new concrete layer on top of the studded membrane. By efficiently draining groundwater under this new floor, floor drainage is a sustainable solution that also remains invisible.

3. Waterproofing the basement with AquaConsult's unique process.

Finally, AquaConsult a unique method to waterproof a basement. Again, we place a pump house in the floor where the water is collected and, after several measurements, we adjust the floor with a laser. Then we install certified ceramic tiles that measure 60 x 60 x 2 centimetres. What's nice? You can choose the colour of the tiles yourself.

There are three main advantages to this method of basement waterproofing:

First and foremost, you lose less height than with traditional cupping. Here we are talking about a maximum of 5 centimetres, whereas with the capping you easily lose 8 centimetres.

It is also much more stylish. This is definitely interesting if you want to turn your basement into a real living space.

The final advantage is price: the cost of a classic casing is quite a bit higher than that of ceramic tiles.

Can you completely waterproof your basement yourself?

We occasionally get asked whether you can get started on waterproofing your basement yourself. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to that. Here's why:

The cause of basement moisture largely determines what approach is needed, as each type of moisture problem requires a specific solution. However, identifying the exact cause is often a challenge. This can be complex, as it sometimes requires breaking work or specialised equipment to fully identify the problem. Without the right knowledge or experience, you risk making mistakes that can make the situation worse.

In addition, it is essential not only to choose the right products, but also to apply them in the right way. For this, expert knowledge is indispensable. A wrong approach can lead to inefficient results and even more damage. Expertise is therefore crucial for a sustainable and effective solution.

This is why we always recommend calling in an expert. A professional can not only determine the exact cause of the moisture problem, but also choose the most suitable method and implement it correctly. You can come to us for a free moisture diagnosis. This will give you a clear picture of the problem and the best solution, with no strings attached.

Premiums for basement sealing or drainage

If you are considering waterproofing your basement, it is good to know that you may be eligible for My Renovation Premium. This premium supports renovation works that improve home quality, including moisture control and basement waterproofing. To be eligible, your home must be located in the Flemish Region and be at least 15 years old on the date of application. The amount of the premium varies based on your income and family situation. It is advisable to consult the specific conditions and application process to determine whether you qualify for this financial support.

Consult the website of the Flemish government for current conditions and premium amounts.

Do you suffer from a damp basement?

Are you struggling with moisture in your basement, and want to re-waterproof it? Contact the experts at Aquaconsult now for a free moisture assessment and we will be happy to help you.

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