The basement makes one of the most important parts of a home. It serves as a an extra living space, home office, play area for kids, man cave, library, and even a storage space.
Despite these benefits, most homeowners usually forget about this space and do not take good care of it. One issue that may arise because of this is water problems.
During the rainy season, water may become an issue, leading to structural and property damage. To avoid such a scenario, it makes sense to waterproof the space.
This article explains some of the best waterproofing systems that you can find in the state of New Jersey.
Interior System
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This system is one of the best method that you can implement to get rid of water. It entails managing and removing water that has already found its way to help ensure that it will not cause any damage to your property. One of the most common solutions here entails installing a French drain. It is installed along the perimeter of the floor and its main objective is to collect water and direct it to a sump pump, which then pumps it to the outside. The main benefit of this system is that it is quick to install and attracts a much lower cost compared to other systems.
Exterior System
An exterior system is considered ideal because it prevents water intrusion in the first place. If the problem can be prevented from the onset, then you will not have to deal with water problems. The process entails excavating the soil around the foundation to apply a membrane or coating to the exterior surfaces. It may also entail the installation of drainage tiles at the base of the foundation. Doing this helps channel water away from the house. This technique is usually recommended because it helps address the real issue rather than focusing on small symptoms. However, this process can be labor intensive and expensive to work with.
Sump Pump
If you live in areas characterized by high water tables or prone to flooding, then you can benefit from installing one. It is installed in the lowest point. Its main objective is to collect and remove any water that accumulates and prevents it from rising to the floor level and cause any potential damage to your property. When the pit is filled with water, the pump activates and pumps water away from the house through a discharge pipe. The approach helps keep the area dry and protects the foundation from water damage. Modern pumps come equipped with batteries that keep the pump going even during power outages. This means you can deal with water problems at all times.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
This is another effective technique because it address the issue from the main source. This fact makes it one of the best ways to ensure a clean and dry area. The idea here entails sealing the crawl space using a heavy-duty vapor barrier, which covers the floors, walls, and even the ceiling. Doing this helps block moisture from the ground and external air. By preventing the penetration of moisture, the homeowner is able to enjoy reduced mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage. This promotes better air quality and ensures that you can comfortably enjoy the space. You can also combine this method with a dehumidifier to help regulate humidity levels, leaving you with a clean and livable space.
Drainage Tiles
Also referred to as footing or perimeter drains, drainage tiles entail installing perforated pipes around the perimeter of the foundation. The pipes collect this excess water and direct it to the outside to a drainage outlet. Exterior drainage tiles are buried at the base of the foundation. They are then covered with gravel to filter out debris. This helps prevent water from seeping into the walls.
When water infiltrates, it has the potential to cause structural and property damage. It can also cause growth of mold and mildew, leading to unwanted respiratory issues. Since you do not want to experience such issues, it makes sense to prevent infiltration through waterproofing. This article has given various methods that you should consider when waterproofing your basement in the state of New Jersey. For the best possible results, ensure to work with a reputable company. This is because they will most likely have the needed skills and expertise to do an excellent job and ensure maximum satisfaction. To get the best service, be sure to check customer reviews and ratings.