By Christopher Behan

Remodeling a basement can be more challenging than renovating any other part of the home, mainly due to the high risk of water intrusion that come with working in an underground room. While concrete may seem very solid, water from the outside soil can seep through the tiny network of pores throughout it. In heavy rains, basements in areas with high water tables or poor drainage may even flood completely, especially if there are cracks in the concrete. Before you remodel a basement, it’s important to consider the risk of water intrusion and take steps to prevent these issues from impacting the results of your project.

While it seems logical to focus on the conditions inside your basement first, the exterior ground condition can impact the risk of water intrusion even more. Loose top soil allows water to flow through relatively easily, and as a foundation settles it can create a natural depression that causes water to flow towards your home and basement. To prevent this type of accumulation, contractors can be hired to install special grouts around your home foundation, which can thicken the soil around your home, causing water to flow away instead. Special grouts also exist that can be injected below foundations to prevent water intrusion from rising water tables. Another exterior feature that frequently contributes to water intrusion is the home’s gutter system. Clogged gutters may increase the severity of water intrusion into your basement. If the roof runoff isn’t properly channeled away from the foundation, it can quickly lead to basement flooding. Checking downspouts and regularly cleaning gutters will ensure that all the water is being properly dispersed. You may even consider installing a gutter protection system that helps prevent clogging.

With the exterior factors accounted for, you’re ready to look at prevention steps inside your basement. Identifying and repairing cracks should be the first priority in preparing for your basement remodeling project. Many home improvement stores offer concrete repair epoxies you can install yourself on small cracks. However, larger cracks generally require a professional to repair using special injections. With these main routes sealed, the next step is to use a penetrating sealant that can close off the porous passages through the concrete. Even with these preventative steps taken, some moisture will always get through, which is why many homes utilize a sump and pump system to collect and remove water. If you’re planning a basement remodel, it’s a good idea to make sure that the basement finishing system you choose will allow you to access your pump when you need to make emergency repairs. You may also want to upgrade you pump to a more powerful model, since the tighter space beneath the basement subfloor and walls can cause more water buildup if your system doesn’t incorporate a vapor barrier.

Once you’ve taken these steps to prevent water intrusion, you’re ready to start building the basement room you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you want a home gym, game room, home theater or any other type of space, preventing water intrusion is a surefire way to protect your investment.

About the Author: Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on

basement remodeling

, replacement windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services, and his work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites.

Source:

isnare.com

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