Just like every other aspect of your home, your waterproofing needs upkeep and maintenance. Most of these tasks are fairly straightforward and only need to be done a couple of times a year. Keeping up with them ensures that when the nasty weather does show up, your home is prepared and your foundations will stay dry.
Why Maintaining Waterproofing Systems Is CriticalÂ
Keeping your waterproofing systems in working order should be a priority for any homeowner. Not only does it mean that you can fend off system failure at an inopportune moment, it can help prolong the lifespan of your systems, saving you money in the long-term. It’s also worth noting that a working waterproofing system can add a significant amount to your home’s value, protecting your investment.
On top of the financial imperative of keeping up the maintenance routines, there are heath issues to consider too. Mold wreaks havoc on people’s respiratory health and absolutely thrives in damp basements. Working waterproofing means that it can’t get a hold, keeping your air quality good and home healthy.
Inspecting Your Waterproofing System RegularlyÂ
The first step to looking after any system is knowing what you’re dealing with. Keeping a close eye on all the elements that keep your basement dry will let you see problems before they develop into serious ones.
Keep an eye out for the tell-tale signs of problems like:
- Leaks
- Cracks forming or changing
- Moisture build up on walls and floors
Pay particular attention to the performance of your sump pump, French drain outlets and paths and the state of any wall coatings or sealants.
It’s never a bad idea to check these over but it’s particularly important to do it before heavy rain, snowmelt or other seasonal changes.
Maintaining Your Sump Pump
The best time to find out your sump pump needs work is before you really need it. This means regular testing is vital.
It’s a simple process: fill the pit with water and make sure everything activates and drains as you’d expect. Listen out for any odd noises as these could be signs of mechanical problems developing.
It’s also worth working cleaning out the pit into your maintenance routines. Simply fish out any debris that’s found its way in and clean off the pump intake scene. This ensures that blockages don’t get a chance to form.
Battery BackupsÂ
Every bit as important as the pump itself, the battery backup (if you have one) needs to be maintained too. Ensure that it’s fully charged, especially before stormy weather.
When to ReplaceÂ
If you’re noticing frequent cycling or reduced efficiency, it might be time to consult some experienced waterproofing specialists about a replacement.
Keeping Your Drainage System FunctionalÂ
Drainage systems are generally pretty simple affairs. This doesn’t excuse them from needing interventions every so often. Both internal and external drainage needs occasional clearing out and checking on.
Exterior DrainageÂ
Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear. Ideally, you should do this twice a year. Remove leaves and other debris and consider installing gutter guards to make the job easier in future. It’s also worth checking for any corroded or leaking joints and ensuring the downspouts are directing water away from your home.
In the case of exterior French drains, it’s important to keep them clear of any debris to avoid clogging.
Interior DrainageÂ
Regularly cast an eye over any drain tiles to ensure that they’re clean and clear of debris. Keep an eye out for signs of clogs or slow water flow. If you find it, clear it out before the inclement weather threatens your basement.
Maintaining Basement Walls and FloorsÂ
There are three things you should be aware of when maintaining the structure of your basement: cracks, coatings and the state of any barrier layers.
Sealing Cracks and gapsÂ
It may sound obvious, but cracks can let water from outside in. Foundation crack repair is generally pretty straightforward and smaller tasks can even be done on a DIY basis. Larger or more complex repairs will require the intervention of a specialist, but it shouldn’t be a huge job for them.
Reapplying Waterproof CoatingsÂ
If you’ve got waterproof paints or sealants on your walls, keep an eye on the state of them. Any signs of bubbling or peeling suggest that water is getting in behind them and that will require investigation. Otherwise, a fresh coat every few years should keep things looking good.
Preventing DamageÂ
We know the temptation is to fill the basement with all that stuff, but be careful when you do it. Too much weight or, worse, drilling into exterior walls without taking due care could damage waterproof barriers.
Controlling HumidityÂ
Basements are often poorly ventilated and this makes them traps for humidity. Left unattended, this could lead to condensation or even mold growth, so keeping it in check is a good idea. Monitoring your levels gives you a huge heads-start here: you should be aiming for around 30-50%.
Using DehumidifiersÂ
If you’re suffering from the effects of high humidity, a dehumidifier could be the answer. Make sure that you’re getting one big enough to cope with the volume of air in your basement and ensure that you’re regularly emptying the catch basin.
Ventilation Best PracticesÂ
Basements are particularly prone to the ill effects of humidity because they tend to be closed up much of the time. Opening doors and windows or even installing exhaust fans can go a long way towards rectifying this tendency.
Preventing Exterior Water IssuesÂ
Perhaps the best way to deal with water problems in your home is to stop the water getting in in the first place. There are a wide range of exterior solutions and keeping them in good working order will pay dividends.
Proper GradingÂ
Your home should be surrounded by a slope, either being placed on the highest point of the property or through compacting earth around it. This allows water to follow its natural inclination and flow away from your walls rather than pooling against them.
If you’re finding puddles against your exterior walls, it’s worth investigating the state of your grading. If something has gone wrong, it’s a big job to fix it but a lot smaller than the potential results of leaving it.
LandscapingÂ
What you plant and where can make a huge difference to your waterproofing. Keep trees and shrubs a good distance from your foundations to avoid their roots interfering with your waterproofing. Likewise, native plants are often wonderful for dealing with pooling water issues.
Maintaining DrywellsÂ
If you’ve got a drywell, look after it. Fish out any debris regularly and make sure they don’t get to the stage of becoming clogged or overflowing.
Knowing When To Call A ProfessionalÂ
Most of these tasks can be done on a DIY basis, saving you a considerable sum. That beings said, it’s best to know when to call in the big guns.
If there are persistent or extensive problems or any sign of serious damage occurring, or if water continues to pool after cleaning out your drains, the professionals will be happy to help. Likewise, talk to the experts before considering any upgrades or changes.
It’s a good idea to schedule in an annual inspection too. Expert eyes will catch problems before you do and they’ll be able to ensure optimal performance year round too.
Common mistakes to avoidÂ
There are a few things that well-meaning homeowners keep doing that make things worse.
- Ignoring small problems. Small things have a habit of becoming big things. It’s a false economy to avoid dealing with small repairs when they become big repairs rather quickly.
- Skipping routine maintenance. We get it. It’s boring to sit and watch your sump pump work. That boredom beats finding out it failed exactly when you needed it most.
- Using the wrong products. Cheaping out on equipment or using the wrong sealant means you may as well not have bothered.
Keeping up with your waterproofing’s maintenance cycle may seem daunting, but in the end it can save you a packet.