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Using interior sealants as basement waterproofing systems is a temporary measure, perhaps used during winter months to prevent snow and frost from raising the water table. These sealants are often found in chemical spray form, and can be applied directly to walls and floors. Interior sealants can also help to prevent humidity and condensation within the basement. Areas of masonry can also be protected against spalling. The most common use of these is to prevent humidity inside the house from affecting the walls of the basement. For more secure measures against ground water, you will need to install an exterior sealant and/or a drainage system.

Using exterior basement waterproofing systems stops the ground water from getting into the basement walls. This helps to prevent mold and other damage which occurs with wet basement areas. Waterproofing an exterior is the recognized IBC method used to prevent damage caused by water. Exterior sealants were once only asphalt-based damp proofing, but now the most common kind of exterior basement waterproofing systems use a polymer base. This kind of material will last for the life of the building. Other forms will probably erode in 20 years. You won’t usually have to add anything to an exterior sealant, which should be put on during the construction of the house, particularly in areas where flooding, heavy rains, or hurricanes are more likely to occur.

While water drainage isn’t exactly a form of waterproofing, it can be used to mitigate basement water, and is considered to be a form of basement waterproofing system. Water drainage functions by drawing ground and underground water away from the foundation, and forcing it into a drain, or through a pump. It is possible to buy foundation pump kits which can be installed on your own, or by a professional plumber. Water drainage systems often need to be run on an isolated electric system, in case of power shortage, or during storms. Sump pumps should always be placed in a pit, and sealed in with a lid in order to keep the water away from the electricity, and to prevent humidity in the pump from entering the atmosphere of the basement. Keeping the lid airtight ensures that poisonous gas from the pump won’t leak into the home.

Over the years, Mar-flex has established its position as a trendsetter and innovator in the waterproofing industry. This is because we offer superior water-based and solvent-based waterproofing membranes, an extensive Green product line, and a wide range of drainage and insulation boards to complete the job based on your market needs. We even offer spray equipment, extremely popular Egress and Non-Egress window wells, perimeter drainage solutions, revolutionary telescopic vents, and control-joints.

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First, one the big advantages of this product is that you are going to be able to keep your basement moisture free. If you have a concrete foundation, there is a good chance that moisture will be able to leak through from the outside. This condensation comes through the wall and leads to a lot of problems for you as a homeowner. If water is allowed to get through concrete, it could lead to serious mold problems. Mold will completely devastate a home if its allowed to grow unchecked. In a basement, it has the most ideal conditions for growth. Its in the dark and it will have ample moisture to work with. Stopping moisture will allow you to prevent any damage to the wood structuring of your home. If the water is allowed into the wood, it can lead to rot, which will eventually destroy your structure.

Another advantage to using a sealant is that its typically easy to apply. You will be able to roll it on with a paint roller. This means that it will be very similar to painting the walls or the floor. Most people can apply this type of product without having to hire a professional to do it for them.

Unfortunately, the biggest disadvantage to sealants are that they are going to be expensive. These sealants typically come in large buckets, and will require a fairly large investment to purchase them. If you have a larger basement, you could easily spend hundreds of dollars on this type of damp basement sealant.

Another disadvantage of using this type of product is that it may not actually solve your problems. Some of these products are often not worth the price charged for them. If you do choose the wrong product, you will be spending lots of money for nothing. You would then have the damp basement problem still, and you would have to spend more time and money finding another solution.

Another common problem with these products are that they are going to give off dangerous fumes. When you are working a basement, there isn’t going to be adequate ventilation. This means you must be extremely careful when applying, because it could be dangerous to you. Make sure you constantly get plenty of fresh air, and wear a respirator so you don’t have to breath in the fumes.

This mastic is Mar-flex’s newest innovation. We’ve advanced the science of waterproofing to allow this mastic to be applied any time of the year.

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-Heavy rains have been known to cause leakage and basement moisture. Remember to keep the windows closed in the basement when there is a heavy rain.

-A broken pipe or connection can lead to constant dripping and moisture problems. Such issues must be fixed immediately to avoid greater problems like mold.

-Condensation on basement walls and floors is usually the result of warm basement air coming in contact with cold air on the outside. It could also be because of a lack of air circulation, a bathroom in the basement or sweating pipes. Proper insulation of pipes, walls, and floors can prevent this issue.

-When the soil around the foundation carries an excess of water, it will try to infiltrate the basement through the cracks that are present. You can seal small cracks, but larger gaps will need professional assistance.

-Gutters are another common culprit, because they become clogged with bird nests, feathers, leaves, and twigs. If this is the case, the water cannot flow properly and can find a way to the foundation.

-If the area around the foundation slopes inward, water will pool around it. The soil around the foundation must slope away from it. Soil that absorbs more water is likely to cause problems.

-Over-watering of plants around the foundation or a constant spray of water from sprinklers can lead to water infiltration indoors. Only water plants when necessary and position sprinklers away from the house.

-If you dry your clothes indoors in the basement, you will add humidity to the space. During humid months, dry clothes outdoors. Also, always ensure that your dryer is properly ventilated outdoors.

-Downspouts should end at least 10 feet away from your home. If not, they will cause water buildup around the foundation, and in turn the water will leak into your basement.

-Leaking windows are a common culprit in water damage to basements. This is because they are the lowest point of entry for groundwater. If you find this is your problem, replace old windows or install window wells.

-If there are cracks in the foundation, they let water in. Over time, the water flow will increase as the cracks grow bigger. Repair cracks on the walls and floor before they can become big problems.

-Good air circulation, an efficient ventilation system, and the proper venting of appliances, will greatly reduce the chances of moisture buildup in your basement. Open windows whenever the weather is favorable, and install a dehumidifier if you can’t seem to that basement moisture problem under control.

If you have recently applied a new layer of insulation after the previous one was infected with mold, or become sodden with water, you will find a vapor barrier extremely useful. The plastic sheeting will stop the walls from becoming damp in the basement, which will then stop moisture rising into the rest of the house, potentially warping your floor boards, among other problems.

You might have trouble installing the barrier if you have a lot of electrical outlets, ducts, and other connections. Some problems with installing insulation which is pre-fitted with a vapor barrier include putting the barrier in so that it faces upward, rather than towards the bedroom, meaning the barrier will be much less effective than usual.

Geo-Mat is the only 100% green product of its kind in the market and can be used towards LEED(r) building credits.

Basement drywall

Strategies

There are a couple of things you can do to prevent the growth of mold that require only a little bit of effort.

• Avoid storing paper or food in areas with higher humidity.
• In addition, you should be aware of other potential sources of moisture, such as clothes left in the washing machine and potted plants.

Dehumidifiers

If your basement is particularly humid, a dehumidifier may be just the thing to keep your basement drywall free of mold. Before you purchase a dehumidifier, you should know that an air conditioner can remove a great deal of humidity. If you have an air conditioner, try it first before making any new purchases.

In many cases, dehumidifiers use a great deal of power. If you have had problems with electrical appliances using all of your power in the past, you should be aware of this.

If you decide that a dehumidifier is the solution to your problem, install it according to its instructions, then put it on its lowest setting and turn it up as needed. You should expect to leave your dehumidifier running.

Maintenance

Sometimes, mold in your basement drywall that refuses to go away can be an indicator of a bigger problem. Mold that never goes away can mean you have a problem with your plumbing; a leak in your pipes, for example. However, there are a wide variety of problems that can lead to high humidity or moisture.

If you suspect you have one of these problems, you should check your home thoroughly for signs that something is wrong, so you can locate the problem and fix it.

Check your pipes for rust; this is a sign that you have a leak. Additionally, you may have a leak if you have mysteriously high water bills, or you can hear water noises when you are not using any water. You should also be on the lookout for discolored, damp, cracked, or otherwise water damage walls, floors and ceilings. Keep in mind that some of these problems can be symptoms of either leaks in your roof or problems with draining rainwater properly.

If you find the problem yourself and cannot fix it, or you simply cannot locate your problem, consult a professional.