What starts as a heavy downpour can end with puddles in the basement. This water infiltration not only leads to unpleasant odors and mold formation, the moisture can also cause serious damage to your home. Fortunately, there are effective solutions that Solusio applies daily to resolve these moisture problems. How do we tackle water infiltration in the basement? We’ll explain that below.
Why Moisture in the Basement is a Serious Problem
A basement is located below ground level and is therefore naturally more susceptible to penetrating groundwater. When rain pours down heavily, the groundwater level rises and the pressure on basement walls and floors increases. If the basement is not sufficiently waterproof or shows small cracks, that water will seep in through the wall or floor. And that has consequences.
Mold Formation and Musty Odor
The consequences of moisture in the basement should not be underestimated. The first signs? A musty smell and mold on the walls . That’s not only unpleasant, it can also cause health problems. The mold spores that these unwelcome guests use to reproduce can lead to allergies, breathing problems, or asthma. They are toxic to our lungs.
Structural Damage
There’s also a structural risk. When water remains trapped in walls or floors for a long time, it gradually damages the masonry, load-bearing wooden beams rot, and reinforced concrete can start to rust . In the long term, this can even compromise the stability of the building.
Loss of Space
Many people use their basement as storage space for furniture, documents, tools, or electrical appliances. But as soon as moisture problems arise, that space is largely lost. It’s a shame to lose a practical storage area and even more frustrating when the moisture starts damaging your belongings. Especially when it comes to valuable or precious items, you’d rather avoid that risk.
Solution 1: Basement Tanking
What is Basement Tanking?
Basement waterproofing involves completely sealing the basement from the inside with a waterproof layer. Our experts essentially create a “tub” inside the basement that is resistant to penetrating water . A basement within your basement, essentially. This technique is particularly suitable for light to moderate water seepage.
How Does it Work?
During basement tanking, our experts follow these steps:
- Preparation: we remove and repair damaged or loose parts and thoroughly clean the substrate.
- Crack repair: cracks and joints are repaired with special waterproof mortar or resin.
- Application of waterproof layers: we apply multiple layers of cement-based waterproofing mortar to the walls and floor. The corner joints receive special attention.
- Finishing: the treated surfaces can then be tiled or painted with breathable materials.
Advantages of Basement Tanking
- Completely waterproof basement under normal conditions
- No electricity or pump system required
- Aesthetically pleasing result
Solution 2: Basement Drainage
What is Basement Drainage?
A basement drainage system is a system where moisture that enters the basement is collected and drained away via a pump installation. This system is ideal for serious water problems, for example when groundwater comes up through the floor or there is a lot of pressure on the walls. Do you have puddles in your basement? Then drainage is an excellent idea.
How Does it Work?
There are various forms of basement drainage. Usually we will install drainage along both the walls and the floor. We do this by applying special cavity drain membranes to the basement walls and floor. These membranes collect the water and direct it to a central drainage point. There a pump will activate to bring the water outside. This keeps the inside of the basement dry.
Advantages of Basement Drainage
- Suitable for severe, permanent water problems
- Long-lasting and reliable solution
What is the Best Choice?
The choice between basement waterproofing and basement drainage depends on the severity of the problem, the type of basement and the groundwater level. For moderate water problems, waterproofing is sufficient, but if there are often puddles in the basement, we recommend drainage. Solusio always comes on-site for a thorough moisture analysis and we propose a personalized solution based on that.
It’s also important to think preventively. Don’t wait until water is literally standing in the basement. Cracks, moisture spots or a musty smell are signals that action is needed.
Solusio: your Moisture Expert
At Solusio we have years of experience in detecting and solving moisture problems in basements. We work with high-quality materials and above all: with expertise. Our experts analyze the situation on-site and offer a sustainable, customized solution for your home.
Do you have water infiltration in the basement after rainfall? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free diagnosis. This way you prevent worse problems and invest in the comfort and value of your home.